Choosing the right college can be a challenging process with many factors to consider. In this guide, we will examine two reputable institutions, Bryn Mawr College and Skidmore College, and compare them across various aspects, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. By the end of this comparison, you should have a better understanding of what each school offers and how they might align with your academic and personal goals.
Bryn Mawr College Overview
Bryn Mawr College, founded in 1885, is a private liberal arts institution for women located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Bryn Mawr is known for its rigorous academic programs, close-knit community, and commitment to women’s education. The school has a strong emphasis on research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning.
Bryn Mawr College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Bryn Mawr College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $54,440, with an additional $17,400 for room and board. However, the college is committed to making education affordable for all students and offers a comprehensive financial aid program that includes scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans.
Bryn Mawr College Admissions
Admission to Bryn Mawr College is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 34%. The college reviews applications holistically, considering factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. Standardized test scores are optional for admission.
Bryn Mawr College Degrees Offered
Bryn Mawr College offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in over 36 majors and minors, as well as several interdisciplinary and special programs. The school also offers graduate programs in various fields, such as social work, education, and clinical development.
Bryn Mawr College Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 17 students, Bryn Mawr College provides a personalized and supportive learning environment. The college’s academic programs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing students for success in a wide range of fields.
Bryn Mawr College Diversity
Bryn Mawr College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. Approximately 34% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority, and international students make up 20% of the population. The college has numerous resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion, such as the Pensby Center for Community Development and Inclusion.
Bryn Mawr College Students
Bryn Mawr College is a close-knit community of around 1,360 undergraduate students and 450 graduate students. Students at Bryn Mawr are actively engaged in campus life, participating in over 100 student-run clubs, organizations, and community service projects. The college also has a strong athletic tradition, with 12 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III.
Bryn Mawr College Campus
The Bryn Mawr College campus covers 135 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Park Science Center, the Canaday Library, and the Marjorie Walter Goodhart Theater. Students have access to a variety of dining options, and its location in the suburban Philadelphia area provides ample opportunities for cultural and recreational activities.
Bryn Mawr College Alumni
Bryn Mawr College has a strong network of over 19,000 alumnae/i worldwide, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. Notable alumni include writer Andrea Mitchell, former US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and Nobel Prize-winning scientist Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard.
Bryn Mawr College Rankings
Bryn Mawr College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Bryn Mawr is ranked #27 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #18 for Best Value Schools.
Bryn Mawr College Outcomes
Graduates of Bryn Mawr College have a strong record of success, with 91% of recent graduates employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, the college has a robust study abroad program, with 50% of students participating in international experiences.
Skidmore College Overview
Skidmore College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1903 and located in Saratoga Springs, New York. Known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and vibrant arts scene, Skidmore emphasizes creativity, innovation, and intellectual curiosity across its academic programs.
Skidmore College Costs & Tuition
The tuition at Skidmore College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,664, with an additional $15,814 for room and board. Skidmore is committed to making its education accessible to all students and offers a range of financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Skidmore College Admissions
Admission to Skidmore College is selective, with an acceptance rate of around 30%. The college evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Skidmore has a test-optional admission policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores.
Skidmore College Degrees Offered
Skidmore College offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in over 40 areas of study, as well as several interdisciplinary programs and minors. The college also offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program.
Skidmore College Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 16 students, Skidmore College provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Skidmore’s academic programs emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for a variety of career paths.
Skidmore College Diversity
Skidmore College is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, with 26% of the student body identifying as a racial or ethnic minority and 12% as international students. The college offers numerous resources and programs to support diversity, such as the Office of Student Diversity Programs and the Intercultural Center.
Skidmore College Students
The Skidmore College community includes approximately 2,500 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students. Students at Skidmore are actively involved in campus life, participating in over 130 clubs, organizations, and service projects. Skidmore also has a strong athletic program, with 19 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III.
Skidmore College Campus
Skidmore College’s 1,000-acre campus features a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture, with state-of-the-art facilities such as the Tang Teaching Museum, the Zankel Music Center, and the Arthur Zankel Music Center. The college offers various dining options for students, and its location in Saratoga Springs provides numerous opportunities for cultural and recreational activities.
Skidmore College Alumni
Notable Skidmore College alumni include musician and actress Lake Street Dive, artist Nancy Graves, and Tony Award-winning producer Kevin McCollum. Skidmore’s alumni network of over 38,000 individuals offers valuable connections and resources for graduates as they embark on their careers.
Skidmore College Rankings
According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Skidmore College is ranked #36 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #27 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Skidmore College Outcomes
Skidmore College graduates have a strong record of success, with 92% of recent graduates employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. The college also encourages international experiences, with 59% of students participating in study abroad programs.
Bryn Mawr College vs Skidmore College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Bryn Mawr College and Skidmore College, it is essential to consider both tuition and room and board expenses. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at Bryn Mawr College is $54,440, with an additional $17,400 for room and board, totaling $71,840. In comparison, tuition at Skidmore College is $58,664, with an additional $15,814 for room and board, totaling $74,478.
Both schools are committed to making their education accessible to students from various financial backgrounds by offering financial aid packages that include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. In terms of cost, Bryn Mawr College is slightly more affordable than Skidmore College, but the difference in total expenses is relatively small.
Bryn Mawr College vs Skidmore College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Bryn Mawr College and Skidmore College are competitive, with acceptance rates of 34% and 30%, respectively. Both schools use a holistic approach when evaluating applicants, considering factors such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. Additionally, both colleges have a test-optional admission policy, allowing students to decide whether to submit standardized test scores.
While both schools are selective in their admissions process, Skidmore College has a slightly lower acceptance rate, making it marginally more challenging to gain admission to than Bryn Mawr College.
Bryn Mawr College vs Skidmore College Academic Difficulty
Both Bryn Mawr College and Skidmore College are known for their rigorous academic programs and emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Both schools have a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and similar average class sizes, indicating a supportive and personalized learning environment at each institution.
While it is difficult to quantify the relative academic difficulty of the two schools, it is safe to assume that students at both Bryn Mawr College and Skidmore College will encounter challenging coursework and high academic expectations. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and alignment with each school’s specific academic offerings and philosophies.
Bryn Mawr College vs Skidmore College Outcome Comparison
In comparing the outcomes of Bryn Mawr College and Skidmore College graduates, both schools have impressive records of success. At Bryn Mawr College, 91% of recent graduates are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation, and 50% of students participate in international experiences. In comparison, 92% of Skidmore College graduates are employed or attending graduate school within the same timeframe, and 59% of students participate in study abroad programs.
Both schools have strong alumni networks and notable graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. While the outcomes for graduates from both schools are similar, Skidmore College has a slightly higher percentage of graduates employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation and a higher percentage of students participating in study abroad programs.
