Choosing the right college can be a challenging decision. In this comparison, we will explore two distinct institutions: Providence College and Hampshire College. We will examine various aspects such as tuition costs, admissions, academics, and campus life, among others. By the end of this article, you should have a clearer understanding of the differences and similarities between these two schools, making it easier for you to decide on the best fit for your educational needs.
Providence College Overview
Providence College, founded in 1917, is a private Catholic liberal arts college located in Providence, Rhode Island. The college, affiliated with the Dominican Order, aims to provide a strong foundation in liberal arts with a focus on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. With a student body of approximately 4,570, Providence College offers a personal and engaging learning environment.
Providence College Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year at Providence College is around $52,438. This does not include additional costs such as room and board, books, and other expenses, which can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $71,600 per year.
Providence College Admissions
Providence College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. Incoming freshmen have an average high school GPA of 3.44, and the middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores ranging from 1220 to 1370. The application deadline for Providence College is January 15.
Providence College Degrees Offered
Providence College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 18 graduate programs within four schools: The School of Arts & Sciences, The School of Business, The School of Professional Studies, and The School of Continuing Education.
Providence College Academics
The college boasts a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and guidance from their professors. The average class size is 20 students. Providence College also emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Providence College Diversity
Providence College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Approximately 17% of the student body identifies as an underrepresented minority, and the college provides resources such as the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which works to promote an inclusive campus culture.
Providence College Students
Students at Providence College enjoy a vibrant campus life, with over 100 student-run clubs and organizations to choose from. The college also offers a range of sports programs, including 19 NCAA Division I athletic teams.
Providence College Campus
The 105-acre campus features a blend of historic and modern architecture, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The college is also within walking distance to downtown Providence, offering students access to the city’s rich history, arts, and culture.
Providence College Alumni
Notable alumni of Providence College include Emmy-winning television host, Janeane Garofalo, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Tom Flanagan, and former NBA player, Otis Thorpe.
Providence College Rankings
Providence College consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2021 rankings, the college ranked 1st in the Regional Universities North category.
Providence College Outcomes
According to the college’s website, 95% of the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, demonstrating the strong outcomes and opportunities available to Providence College alumni.
Hampshire College Overview
Founded in 1970, Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Known for its alternative approach to education, Hampshire College allows students to design their own interdisciplinary curriculum and focuses on project-based learning. With a small student body of about 1,200, the college offers a tight-knit and supportive community.
Hampshire College Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year at Hampshire College is around $52,920. This does not include additional costs such as room and board, books, and other expenses, which can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $67,350 per year.
Hampshire College Admissions
Hampshire College has an acceptance rate of around 63%, making it a somewhat selective institution. The college has a test-optional admissions policy, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. The application deadline for Hampshire College is January 15.
Hampshire College Degrees Offered
While there are no traditional majors at Hampshire College, students can choose from five interdisciplinary Schools of Thought: Cognitive Science, Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies, Natural Science, and Social Science.
Hampshire College Academics
With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Hampshire College offers personalized instruction and a collaborative learning environment. Students at Hampshire are encouraged to pursue independent study, research, and creative projects, culminating in a final project in their senior year.
Hampshire College Diversity
Hampshire College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus, with approximately 29% of the student body identifying as an underrepresented minority. The college provides resources such as the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Education, the James Baldwin Scholars Program, and the Queer Community Alliance Center.
Hampshire College Students
Hampshire College offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 100 student-run clubs and organizations, as well as access to the Five College Consortium, which allows students to participate in events and activities at nearby Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Hampshire College Campus
The 800-acre campus features modern architecture and ample green spaces, providing students with a serene and inspiring environment. Hampshire College is also located near the vibrant college towns of Amherst and Northampton, offering students access to a rich cultural scene.
Hampshire College Alumni
Notable Hampshire College alumni include documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns, actress Lupita Nyong’o, and author Jon Krakauer.
Hampshire College Rankings
While Hampshire College does not participate in traditional college rankings, it is known for its innovative approach to education and has been recognized by the Princeton Review as a top college for making a difference.
Hampshire College Outcomes
According to the college’s website, within one year of graduation, 65% of Hampshire College alumni are employed, and 47% are enrolled in graduate or professional schools. Hampshire College graduates go on to successful careers in various fields, including the arts, education, and technology.
Providence College vs Hampshire College Cost Comparison
Both Providence College and Hampshire College have similar tuition costs, with Providence College’s estimated annual tuition and fees at $52,438 and Hampshire College’s at $52,920. However, when factoring in additional expenses, such as room and board, Providence College’s total cost of attendance comes out to be slightly higher, at approximately $71,600 per year, compared to Hampshire College’s $67,350 per year.
Providence College vs Hampshire College Admissions Difficulty
Providence College has a more competitive admissions process than Hampshire College, with an acceptance rate of 47% compared to Hampshire’s 63%. While both schools require similar application materials, Hampshire College has a test-optional admissions policy, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Providence College vs Hampshire College Academic Difficulty
In terms of academic rigor, both Providence College and Hampshire College offer challenging and engaging learning experiences. Providence College has a more traditional liberal arts curriculum, while Hampshire College focuses on interdisciplinary, project-based learning. Both schools have low student-faculty ratios, ensuring personalized attention and support for their students.
Providence College vs Hampshire College Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates from both institutions are strong, with Providence College reporting that 95% of their class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Hampshire College states that within one year of graduation, 65% of their alumni are employed, and 47% are enrolled in graduate or professional schools. Both schools have notable alumni across various fields and provide their graduates with the skills and experiences necessary for success in their chosen careers.
