University of Indianapolis: "experience is everything.".

Having dreamed since childhood of being an archeologist, Jennifer Rhodes considered programs at several colleges before choosing the University of Indianapolis.

What made the difference for this Marysville, Ohio, resident? A chance to get her hands dirty.

"The program here seemed to be the best, because you get a lot of hands-on experience," she says." Most of them don't have hands-on work as an undergrad. You don't even see the lab until you're a graduate student."

Not only did Rhodes work as laboratory coordinator during her junior year, she also spent several weeks in the field in 2004, working with her professor and classmates at the site of a mastodon discovery in southern Indiana, and digging for American Indian artifacts with an archeology contractor at a construction site.

Real-world experience like this is increasingly vital to the search for fulfilling work after college, says Libby Davis, assistant director for internships at University of Indianapolis' Office of Career Services.

"Some employers will not consider a candidate unless they have prior experience," she says. "Many use their internship programs as a pipeline for new employees."

Such off-campus experiences also allow students to test their...