THE TOP CONSERVATIVE COLLEGES.
There are many reasons why students and parents would want to consider a conservative college. Let's face it, the political climate at most elite liberal arts colleges is dominated by liberals. Even at schools where conservatives may constitute a "silent majority," they are often reluctant to challenge the prevailing political correctness. Furthermore, university faculties are overwhelmingly liberal, almost without exception in arts-and-sciences schools. In recent years, the gap between the values of college faculties and the more conservative segments of society has grown increasingly wide. Many families may be seeking one or more of the following:

• a place that emphasizes the Western tradition rather than multiculturalism
• a place where conservative opinions can be openly expressed without being branded as racist or sexist
• a place where moral and/or Christian values set the tenor of life

Grove City College.
A rising star among conservative colleges ... Known for refusal to accept government funds ... Low tuition translates to a top rating among bargain schools ... Christian values set the tone ... Small-town campus is within striking distance of Pittsburgh.

Hampden-Sydney College.
Southern Virginia conservative bastion that is one of two all-male liberal arts colleges (without a coordinate women's college) left in the nation ... Feeder school to the Virginia political and economic establishment in Richmond ... Picturesque eastern Virginia setting where the Old South still lives.

Pepperdine University.
Opulent hillside paradise in L.A.'s ritzy Malibu ... With popularity surging, only one in three applicants accepted ... Affiliation with Disciples of Christ means no drinking and strict visitation rules ... Dancing now allowed ... Business is by far the most popular program.