Paul Quinn College

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Strong focus on undergraduate education
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life centers on the work college experience. All students work 10-15 hours weekly in campus positions ranging from farm work to administrative roles. This creates shared experience and teaches professional skills that many college graduates lack. Housing is available on campus, with most students living in residence halls. The small scale creates tight community. Everyone knows everyone. Support systems identify struggling students quickly. The neighborhood surrounding campus faces economic challenges, which creates both service opportunities and safety considerations. The campus provides a secure environment, and students engage with the surrounding community through service programs. Social life is what students create within the small community. There are no Greek organizations or intercollegiate athletics, though intramural sports exist. Dallas offers entertainment, dining, and cultural options, though transportation is needed to access most of them.

Location & Surroundings

Dallas is one of America's largest metropolitan areas, with over 7 million people in the metro region. The city offers employment opportunities, cultural amenities, and entertainment options rivaling any major city. The economy includes technology, healthcare, finance, and corporate headquarters. The campus sits in southern Dallas, a historically underserved area experiencing the challenges of urban poverty. The contrast with affluent northern suburbs is stark. Students gain firsthand understanding of inequality while serving communities often overlooked. Dallas weather is hot: summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Winters are mild by northern standards, with occasional cold snaps. The climate is sunny much of the year. Air conditioning is essential summer through fall. Cost of living in Dallas is moderate by major metro standards, though southern Dallas neighborhoods are quite affordable. Transportation is largely car-dependent, as public transit is limited. Access to the broader Dallas amenities requires mobility.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition is around $11,000 annually, quite low for a private college. Room and board adds roughly $9,000. Total cost of attendance is approximately $22,000 before financial aid. The work college participation reduces costs further through earnings that offset tuition. Most students receive substantial financial aid. Pell Grants, state aid, and institutional support combine to make attendance affordable. The goal is graduating students without crushing debt. Career outcomes reflect the practical preparation. Graduates enter employment with work experience, professional skills, and references from campus jobs. The urban studies and business programs connect to employment in Dallas-area organizations. The college actively connects graduates with employers. The transformation narrative attracts attention and goodwill from some hiring managers. The alumni network is small but supportive. Graduate school is possible for strong performers, though students pursuing highly competitive programs may face challenges. The value of Paul Quinn lies in transformation and practical preparation, not in prestige credentials for elite graduate programs.

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