Choosing a university is a significant decision that requires thorough research and careful consideration. In this article, we will compare Fairfield University and Hampshire College on various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes to help you make an informed choice.
Fairfield University Overview
Fairfield University, founded in 1942, is a private Jesuit university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields, including arts & sciences, business, engineering, nursing, and education. With a student population of approximately 5,000, the university fosters a close-knit, supportive community that encourages personal and intellectual growth.
Fairfield University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Fairfield University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $49,830, with the total cost of attendance (including room, board, and fees) reaching $68,870. The university offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help students manage the costs.
Fairfield University Admissions
Admissions at Fairfield University have a competitive acceptance rate of around 60%. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The university requires standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) and a minimum GPA of 3.0 for consideration.
Fairfield University Degrees Offered
Fairfield University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in various disciplines, including arts & sciences, business, engineering, nursing, and education. Students can choose from over 60 majors, 30 interdisciplinary minors, and numerous pre-professional programs.
Fairfield University Academics
Fairfield University is known for its strong academic programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, allowing for individualized attention and support. The university also emphasizes the Jesuit values of intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and personal development, encouraging students to engage in research, internships, and community service.
Fairfield University Diversity
Fairfield University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers various programs, resources, and initiatives to support students from different backgrounds and promote equity and inclusion, such as the Center for Social Impact, the Office of Accessibility, and multicultural clubs and organizations.
Fairfield University Students
With approximately 5,000 students, Fairfield University has a close-knit, supportive community where students can form lasting connections and engage in a variety of campus activities. The university offers over 100 clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, athletic, and service-oriented groups, to enrich students’ experiences.
Fairfield University Campus
Fairfield University’s 200-acre campus, located in the picturesque New England town of Fairfield, Connecticut, offers a safe and welcoming environment for students. The campus features modern academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and various amenities, including dining options, a recreation center, and a library.
Fairfield University Alumni
Fairfield University alumni have gone on to successful careers in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and public service. Notable alumni include John O’Hurley (actor), Kevin Nealon (comedian), and Chris Frantz (musician).
Fairfield University Rankings
Fairfield University consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, the university ranks #3 in the Regional Universities North category and #19 in the Best Value Schools category.
Fairfield University Outcomes
Fairfield University boasts a strong track record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 80% and a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Additionally, the university reports that 98% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Hampshire College Overview
Hampshire College, founded in 1970, is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts, known for its innovative, interdisciplinary approach to education. With a student population of around 1,200, Hampshire College offers a unique educational experience that emphasizes self-directed, project-based learning.
Hampshire College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Hampshire College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $52,235, with the total cost of attendance (including room, board, and fees) reaching $68,520. Financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities is available to help students manage the costs.
Hampshire College Admissions
Admissions at Hampshire College are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 63%. The college evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential for self-directed learning. Hampshire College is test-optional and does not require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for consideration.
Hampshire College Degrees Offered
Hampshire College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in various disciplines, with the unique feature of allowing students to design their own program of study based on their interests and goals. Students work closely with faculty advisors to create individualized concentrations and complete a series of projects throughout their time at the college.
Hampshire College Academics
Hampshire College’s innovative, interdisciplinary approach to education encourages students to take control of their learning and explore their passions through self-directed projects and hands-on experiences. With a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, students receive personalized guidance and support from dedicated faculty members.
Hampshire College Diversity
Hampshire College is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable campus community. The college offers various resources and initiatives to support students from different backgrounds and promote social justice, such as the James Baldwin Scholars Program, the Office for Diversity & Multicultural Education, and cultural clubs and organizations.
Hampshire College Students
Hampshire College’s student population of around 1,200 allows for a close-knit, collaborative community where students can form lasting connections and engage in a wide range of campus activities. The college offers over 100 clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, athletic, and service-oriented groups, to enhance students’ experiences.
Hampshire College Campus
Hampshire College’s 800-acre campus, located in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, provides a safe and vibrant environment for students. The campus features modern academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and various amenities, including dining options, a recreation center, and a library.
Hampshire College Alumni
Hampshire College alumni have pursued successful careers in various fields, including the arts, sciences, technology, and social activism. Notable alumni include Ken Burns (documentary filmmaker), Lupita Nyong’o (actress), and Jon Krakauer (author).
Hampshire College Rankings
Hampshire College is consistently recognized for its innovative approach to education and commitment to social justice. In 2020, The Princeton Review ranked Hampshire College #2 on its list of “Best Schools for Making an Impact.”
Hampshire College Outcomes
Hampshire College reports a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Additionally, the college states that 65% of graduates go on to attend graduate school within ten years of graduation, and alumni have received prestigious awards such as Fulbright Scholarships, Guggenheim Fellowships, and Emmy Awards.
Fairfield University vs Hampshire College Cost Comparison
Comparing the costs of attendance for Fairfield University and Hampshire College, both institutions have similar total costs, with Fairfield University at $68,870 and Hampshire College at $68,520. Both schools offer financial aid packages to help students manage the costs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Fairfield University vs Hampshire College Admissions Difficulty
Fairfield University has a competitive acceptance rate of around 60%, while Hampshire College has a moderately competitive acceptance rate of approximately 63%. Both institutions evaluate applicants based on their academic achievements, personal qualities, and potential for success at the college. However, Fairfield University requires standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), while Hampshire College is test-optional.
Fairfield University vs Hampshire College Academic Difficulty
Both Fairfield University and Hampshire College offer rigorous academic programs that challenge and support students in their intellectual growth. Fairfield University emphasizes the Jesuit values of intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and personal development, while Hampshire College fosters an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to education that emphasizes self-directed, project-based learning.
Fairfield University vs Hampshire College Outcome Comparison
When comparing outcomes, Fairfield University boasts a higher four-year graduation rate (80%) and a higher six-year graduation rate (83%) than Hampshire College, which reports a six-year graduation rate of 63%. Both institutions have successful alumni in various fields, and graduates from both schools have gone on to pursue further education or employment within a relatively short time after graduation.
