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Top 10 Colleges for Budding Literary Giants in Love with the Great Outdoors

Are you a literary enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the whispers of nature? Dive into our curated list of colleges where the muses of literature and the great outdoors intertwine, offering a unique academic and environmental journey for budding literary giants.

3 min read10 schools featured

Imagine a college experience where the pages of your textbooks merge with the endless stories told by nature. This isn't just a dream for those who find solace in both Shakespeare and the serene solace of a forest walk. We've wandered through the academic wilderness to unearth the top 10 colleges for budding literary giants in love with the great outdoors. These institutions aren't just places of learning; they are gateways to imaginative realms and natural wonders.

What sets these colleges apart? It's their unique combination of strong English or literature programs nestled in some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Furthermore, these campuses are deeply committed to sustainability and environmental studies, resonating with students who are passionate about conserving the beauty that inspires their literary pursuits. Whether you're drafting your next poem beneath the ancient arms of a towering tree or analyzing classic literature in a classroom that overlooks a pristine lake, these schools offer environments where your creativity can flourish.

The selection criteria for these literary and natural havens were stringent. Only colleges located in areas renowned for their natural beauty or outdoor recreational opportunities made the list. Each institution also boasts notable English or literature programs, ensuring that students receive a top-tier education in their chosen field while being surrounded by landscapes that fuel their environmental consciousness and artistic expression.

For students attracted to this blend of academia and open-air adventures, consider what you seek in a college experience. Do you yearn for the intimate discussions in a small classroom or the solitude of a mountain hike? These campuses offer both, alongside communities that value sustainability, creativity, and the great outdoors. As you explore these options, think about how the setting influences your learning and creativity. Choose a campus that not only aligns with your academic goals but also your personal values and interests.

Ready to embark on your journey? Dive into the specifics of each school below, and envision where your literary ambitions could take you, guided by the spirit of the natural world. Let the next chapter of your academic adventure begin with a conscious choice toward literary brilliance and environmental stewardship.

The Complete List

#1
Maharishi International University

Maharishi International University

Fairfield, Iowa

97% acceptance
2.0k students

Nestled in the tranquil town of Fairfield, Iowa, this university offers a serene backdrop perfect for literary inspiration. With its unique focus on consciousness-based education and meditation spaces like the Golden Domes, it's a haven for students seeking a blend of intellectual growth and inner peace. Literature students who prize mindfulness and sustainability will find themselves at home here, amidst the cornfields and under the expansive Midwestern sky.

#2
O

Ohio Wesleyan University

Delaware, Ohio

51% acceptance
1.5k students

Located where suburban charm meets historic allure, OWU provides a picturesque setting for literary scholars. Its compact, walkable campus in Delaware, Ohio, is ideal for those who find inspiration in both the pages of a book and the paths through a vibrant college town. A stroll through the scenic grounds can spark the imagination just as vividly as class discussions, making it perfect for writers and readers alike.

#3
Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

90% acceptance
21.6k students

Set in the heart of Boone, North Carolina, this university is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and literary minds. Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, students can explore the rich natural landscape while delving into a comprehensive English program. This setting is an open invitation for those who draw inspiration from the wilderness to fuel their literary works.

#4
Goucher College

Goucher College

Towson, Maryland

73% acceptance
2.0k students

With its lush campus in Towson, Maryland, Goucher offers an intimate learning environment where literature and nature meet. The college's strong commitment to global education and environmental sustainability makes it an ideal choice for literary students who envision their work contributing to broader societal conversations. Here, writing comes alive beneath the canopy of trees that dot the campus.

#5
Framingham State University

Framingham State University

Framingham, Massachusetts

N/A acceptance
4.1k students

This Massachusetts university is a beacon for students who thrive at the intersection of literary study and nature appreciation. Framingham State encourages its community to engage deeply with both their academic pursuits and the environment, offering ample green spaces that serve as both inspiration and classroom. It’s a place where future authors can pen their narratives in the embrace of nature.

#6
Trinity College Connecticut

Trinity College Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut

34% acceptance
2.2k students

In the vibrant heart of Hartford, Trinity College melds the urban with the bucolic in a unique New England way. Its historic campus offers literary students the charm of gothic architecture and green spaces, fostering a creative oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. It's a setting where the stimulation of city life and the tranquility of nature coalesce, ideal for those who draw inspiration from both.

#7
Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona

91% acceptance
28.2k students

For students who feel the call of the wild, NAU's location in Flagstaff, Arizona, offers an unparalleled blend of academic rigor and access to the great outdoors. Situated among pine forests and mountains, the campus is a literal high point for literary students who find muse in the environment. Here, the elevation matches the lofty ambitions of its students.

#8
Belhaven University

Belhaven University

Jackson, Mississippi

53% acceptance
3.6k students

In the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, Belhaven stands as a testament to integrating the arts with a Christian worldview. Its picturesque campus is a source of inspiration for students who weave themes of faith and nature into their literary works. With a strong emphasis on the literary arts, it offers a nurturing environment for those looking to explore their spirituality through writing.

#9
Alma College

Alma College

Alma, Michigan

65% acceptance
1.3k students

Located in Alma, Michigan, this college offers a tight-knit community for literary scholars who appreciate the nuances of a smaller setting. Surrounded by Michigan's natural beauty, Alma College supports budding writers with a robust English program and opportunities for outdoor exploration, proving that great inspiration often comes from small places.

#10
Bethel College Newton

Bethel College Newton

North Newton, Kansas

96% acceptance
507 students

This Kansas college is a gem for students seeking a personalized educational experience. With its small student body and focus on the individual, Bethel in North Newton is the place where literature and the sprawling Kansas landscapes come together. It's an intimate setting for aspiring writers looking to carve out their unique voice in the vastness of the prairie.

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