Location

Rocky is located in one of the most beautiful states of the USA, big sky country. Nestled in Yellowstone county, it’s only a short drive away from the stunning Yellowstone National Park, where the world famous hot springs lie. It is also near Red Lodge Mountain, which is an affordable place to downhill ski or snowboard during the winter. It is also where the ski team practices every day in the winter. Rocky is surrounded by numerous hiking trails, some right out the back door on the rimrocks, and some just a short distance away off the beartooth highway. If you are looking to fish, hike, ski, climb, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Rocky might be the place for you.

Class Size

The student to faculty ratio is 12 to 1, which is a pretty astounding number for a four year university. Most classes will be around 20 students or less, resulting in one on one attention in each course. This intimacy helps students, academically, and socially. Teachers actually know you by name, and are willing to meet with you during office hours, or outside of class if you have any questions or concerns surrounding their class. They are amenable people who will sit down and talk to help you figure out your class schedule or future career plans.

Activities

You should not be bored on campus because there are SO many things to do on and off campus with student life. With over 40 clubs to choose from, you have the option of being part of an academic club such as Debate Team or Math Club, a sports centered club such as Rocky Slapshots, a unique group like Rocky Beats, and countless others. Besides student run clubs and organizations, Rocky has a fantastic outdoor recreation program which features weekly, (sometimes daily) activities including rock climbing, hiking, biking, kayaking, fly fishing, camping trips, ice climbing (pictured above), national park trips, and more. Plus, most of these events are free to all students. Rocktivities is the student activities organization which also offers a copious amount of great perks and programs including pizza and bowling, movie screenings, dances, comedy shows, arts and crafts, massages on campus, and other great free activities.

Flexibility

Because the classes are so small, you have the option to get to know most teachers on a deeper level then you would at a larger university. This correlates with teachers typically being pretty flexible with allowing students to have time off for sports, academic conferences or clubs, sickness, and family matters. Although most teachers take daily attendance, a simple conversation or email will let you off the hook if you need to miss class. Be respectful to them, and the respect will be returned.

Family

Undergraduate class sizes are around 200 people, which is extraordinarily small. This can actually be an eminently favorable thing because it’s easier to meet people and make friends. If you run into someone at a campus event or a house party, you will likely see them again, probably within the next few days. This makes it easier to maintain relationships with people. Everyone knows (or at least knows of) everyone on some level, which makes for a genuinely connected group of students, almost like a family. It's also pretty cool when the president of the college, Bob Wilmouth, knows most students by name and will gladly give out his contact information to recommend you for a job. You may feel like you’re missing out on the huge parties or wild football tailgates, but I promise you’ll feel more of a relationship with your school and peers, then you would at a big school. Study Abroad Program

Rocky has an amazing study abroad program which can accommodate virtually any student. The office will patiently help you figure out a feasible way that will work financially and academically to go abroad- whether its for a summer, a semester, or a year. They also have multiple students from numerous countries every semester. In my three years at Rocky, I have met students from Sweden, France, Netherlands, Brazil, China, Australia, Slovenia, Serbia, Iran, Ireland, United Kingdom, Iceland, Finland, and more.

Sports

For such a small school, Rocky has a spectacular athletic program. The Battlin' Bears men and women's ski teams have won numerous national championships, and make the Rocky family proud. It isn't uncommon for students to make the trek up Red Lodge Mountain on a blustery winter day to support their skiiers on a big race day. Basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball games alike will typically be packed with student and teacher fans, all rooting for the win. The athletes are prized possessions at Rocky, and classic sports aren't your thing, Rocky has a rodeo team and an equestrian team to entertain as well.

Overall, Rocky is a fantastic college to attend. Sure it may be small, with no Greek life or wild ragers that make the news, but instead of burning coaches and hazing people, we prefer adventures outdoors, being active, and building strong relationships and friendships. That's the Rocky difference.