Hampshire College vs Providence College

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In this article, we will compare and contrast two well-known educational institutions: Hampshire College and Providence College. We will explore various aspects of each school, including their history, tuition costs, admissions process, degrees offered, academics, diversity, campus life, and more.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Hampshire College Overview

Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1970, the college is known for its alternative curriculum and emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, project-based education, and independent study. Hampshire College is a member of the Five College Consortium, along with Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Hampshire College Costs & Tuition

Hampshire College has a comprehensive tuition and fees package that covers most of the expenses incurred by students during their time at the college. The total cost of attendance for the 2020-2021 academic year is approximately $66,000, which includes tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees.

Hampshire College Admissions

Admission to Hampshire College is competitive and holistic. The school accepts the Common Application, and applicants must submit a writing supplement, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (optional). Hampshire College has a test-optional admissions policy, which means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is not required.

Hampshire College Degrees Offered

Hampshire College offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 40 areas of study available. Students can choose from traditional majors like biology, psychology, and English, or create their customized interdisciplinary concentrations.

Hampshire College Academics

Hampshire College follows a unique academic model, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and student-centered education. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through individualized study plans, seminars, independent research, and collaborative projects.

Hampshire College Diversity

Hampshire College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The college has a range of programs designed to support underrepresented students, including the James Baldwin Scholars Program, the Cultural Center, and various affinity groups.

Hampshire College Students

Hampshire College is a small, tight-knit community, with approximately 1,200 undergraduate students. The student body is known for its creativity, activism, and strong sense of social responsibility.

Hampshire College Campus

The Hampshire College campus is situated on 800 acres of beautiful New England farmland, featuring modern buildings, green spaces, and an on-campus farm. The college also provides access to resources and activities at the other four institutions within the Five College Consortium.

Hampshire College Alumni

Notable Hampshire College alumni include filmmaker Ken Burns, screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil, and journalist Michael Kinsley.

Hampshire College Rankings

Hampshire College consistently ranks highly among liberal arts colleges in the United States. It is often recognized for the quality of its undergraduate teaching, the success of its graduates, and its commitment to sustainability.

Hampshire College Outcomes

Graduates of Hampshire College enjoy strong outcomes in terms of career opportunities and further education. A significant number of alumni go on to pursue advanced degrees, and Hampshire graduates have earned prestigious awards, including Fulbright Scholarships and National Science Foundation Fellowships.

Providence College Overview

Providence College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1917, the college is affiliated with the Dominican Order and offers a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional programs in business, education, and more.

Providence College Costs & Tuition

The total cost of attendance at Providence College for the 2020-2021 academic year is approximately $67,300, which includes tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees.

Providence College Admissions

Admission to Providence College is competitive, and the school accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT).

Providence College Degrees Offered

Providence College offers over 50 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in business, education, and theology. Popular majors at the college include business management, psychology, and biology.

Providence College Academics

The academic offerings at Providence College are grounded in a strong liberal arts curriculum, with an emphasis on the development of critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The college is also known for its Development of Western Civilization Program, a four-semester interdisciplinary course required for all students.

Providence College Diversity

Providence College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The college offers various programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Institutional Diversity, the Center at Moore Hall, and a range of multicultural clubs and organizations.

Providence College Students

Providence College has a close-knit community of around 4,000 undergraduate students, who are known for their strong sense of school spirit and engagement in campus life.

Providence College Campus

The Providence College campus is located on 105 acres in Rhode Island’s capital city, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Providence College Alumni

Notable alumni of Providence College include NBA Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, and Emmy Award-winning journalist Meredith Vieira.

Providence College Rankings

Providence College is consistently recognized as one of the top regional universities in the Northeast and is highly regarded for its strong academics, dedicated faculty, and robust campus life.

Providence College Outcome

Graduates of Providence College enjoy solid outcomes in terms of career opportunities and further education. The college’s Center for Career Education and Professional Development provides comprehensive support to help students navigate their post-graduation plans.

Hampshire College vs Providence College Cost Comparison

Hampshire College and Providence College have similar total costs of attendance, with Hampshire College’s cost at approximately $66,000, and Providence College’s cost at around $67,300 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Both schools offer comprehensive financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, to help students and their families manage the cost of attendance.

Hampshire College vs Providence College Admissions Difficulty

Both Hampshire College and Providence College have competitive admissions processes, but there are some differences in their requirements. Hampshire College has a test-optional admissions policy, while Providence College requires submission of SAT or ACT scores. Additionally, Hampshire College generally emphasizes a more holistic approach to admissions, focusing on the applicant’s overall fit with the college’s values and mission.

Hampshire College vs Providence College Academic Difficulty

Hampshire College and Providence College both have strong academics and rigorous curricula, but their approaches to education differ. Hampshire College emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, independent study, and project-based education, while Providence College follows a more traditional liberal arts curriculum with core requirements in the Development of Western Civilization Program. Students at both institutions can expect to be challenged academically, though the specific nature of the challenge may vary based on the college’s educational philosophy.

Hampshire College vs Providence College Outcome Comparison

Both Hampshire College and Providence College have strong outcomes for their graduates in terms of career opportunities and further education. Hampshire College graduates have earned prestigious awards, including Fulbright Scholarships and National Science Foundation Fellowships, while Providence College alumni have pursued successful careers in a wide range of fields. Ultimately, the best choice between these two institutions will depend on the individual student’s preferences, goals, and personal fit with the college’s community and educational approach.