In terms of other colleges, Wheaton might compare with Connecticut College and Skidmore.

I am alumni of Wheaton college in Norton, MA. I am very fond of my 4 years there although it was decades ago in the early 90s. The faculty is top notch usually full time tenure professors. Very small classes and intimate setting. You will get to know your professors very well. Great network and career learning center. The small town is a bit of a bust as I was from Arlington and had DC at my finger tips. Most kids hail for MA, NH, VT and ME. I was an exception from VA. You can get to providence or boston and that’s what we did on weekends. Campus is absolutely beautiful. I lived in mostly old campus as I wanted to live in older dorms but new campus offered newer dorms. Almost everyone lives on campus in dorms or group themed houses. Top notch liberal arts education. Widely known with smith Mt Holyoke Vassar etc but Wheaton is easier to get into. Hope that helps!

Thank you all for the replies.

I went to Wheaton and had a great experience. It was many years ago though. I visited the campus two years ago and it looked lovely. They have kept it up well and also expanded it. I would encourage you to keep it on your list and do a tour.

I only know a few kids there (from MA) and they love it. It’s a small school in a small town. It was much too small for what my kid wanted but it out kicks its coverage for rigor and community from what I can tell.

As simply one aspect to consider, Wheaton offers a top-notch science building.

Lots of one-star Niche reviews with people saying the food is terrible, faculty being cut leading to fewer courses in some majors, campus full of depressed kids, etc. I take it all with a huge grain of salt, hence my post. Still, most colleges don't have quite so many extremely negative reviews, so I don't want to entirely discount them. I don't know anyone with firsthand experience of Wheaton, so I figured I'd ask here.

My DD, who ended up at another SLAC, had it on her list as a likely. When we visited, it seemed very similar to other SLACs in the northeast. This was the type of school she wanted to attend and I’m sure she would have been happy there. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit. If you know you want a SLAC experience, it’s nice to find one that is less selective for a balanced list.

What’s alarming about the reviews? I’ve heard good things.

Does anyone have any experience with this school? Some of the reviews on Niche are alarming, but on paper it doesn't look too bad. Wondering whether to add it to the visit list or steer my kid away.