Cowboy college

102 years ago, a tiny junior college was founded in Deep Springs Valley in eastern California. Despite having under 30 students at a time, alumni have received three MacArthur “genius grants,” two Pulitzer Prizes, and an Emmy award.

Deep Springs College is an hour’s drive away from the nearest town, and is gloriously isolated. All students are on a full scholarship, and the college is run democratically with students making key decisions about faculty and curriculum. They also work on the attached farm and ranch.

As with many of these idiosyncratic institutions, it was men-only until far too recently. In fact, it took a court case to allow female admissions; the last appeal against inclusion was heard in 2017!

• Deep Springs College