2023 Best Colleges in the Modesto Area

• Fredericksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.12 out of 5  1,271 reviews

Freshman: I'm a freshman this year and UMW has defied my expectations. I remember checking this site and seeing an alarming number of negative reviews, but the school seemed like such a perfect fit for me every time I'd visited in person. Thankfully, I chose to ignore the majority of those reviews. I've been blown away by how quickly it felt like home. Firstly, the campus is beautiful. Every building has a comforting, classic façade that gives the entire campus, along with ample greenery, harmony. It's an ideal size as well, and 10/10 dorms. Secondly, there's a real sense of comfort and community here. Most everybody here, especially the staff, is friendly. All of my professors are passionate about their subjects and care about their students. My first week here I found a great group of friends. Sure, there are some characters, but that's to be expected. You just have to find your people. And yes, there are some parties, just don't expect to find a party every night. Make your own fun as well!... Read 1,271 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $22,569

• SAT range 1090-1270

• Wise, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  243 reviews

Junior: Academically, the college lacks consistency. Certain programs, such as general education requirements, lack substantial teaching and learning. However, other areas of academics, for example, Biology, are vast and difficult. This disconnect in academics negatively effects my peers and I’s ability to preform consistently academically as-well. The smaller size of campus and student body aids to facilitate a familial and belonging feeling. Despite the low number of students, social events are happening frequently to foster community. I have learned factually, socially, and internally with my time at UVA-Wise, so overall the experience has been beneficial. Issues with the school would include a lack of diversity, small local community outside the campus, and fluctuations in academics. However, with adversity comes resilience and ability to foster change.... Read 243 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $9,418

• SAT range 980-1170

• Merced, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,171 reviews

Sophomore: I love the environment that the University of California, Merced, creates. It's such a vibrant and lively experience. Along with its knit tight community, there are plenty of things you are able to do. From going to the gym, swimming in its public lake not 20 mins away from its campus, to going to jazz clubs and thrift stores. There are also plenty of opportunities that you are able to take, such as becoming a financial advisor, to job shadowing engineers, and even being your own engineer. There are multiple clubs and fraternity's that you can become a part of if that's your thing! Such as the AIAA club; a club based around engineers. In this club, you are able to build your own aviation creation from complete scratch! An awesome experience if you ask me. Other than that, Merced, as I said before, is a lively school. Everybody is friendly and nice, including the professors!... Read 2,171 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,578

• SAT range 960-1140