Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, especially when considering factors such as cost, academic rigor, campus life, and overall outcomes. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between Smith College and Holy Cross, two well-regarded institutions with different offerings and opportunities. By examining their overviews, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes, we hope to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.
Smith College Overview
Smith College is a private, all-women’s liberal arts college located in Northampton, Massachusetts. Established in 1871, the college is a member of the prestigious Seven Sisters and offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, as well as graduate programs in education and social work. Smith College is known for its strong focus on academics, research opportunities, and a commitment to promoting women’s leadership.
Smith College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance at Smith College is $78,800, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The college offers a need-blind admission policy and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students. Approximately 60% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average grant amount of $49,000.
Smith College Admissions
Admissions to Smith College are competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 32%. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1320-1500 and an ACT range of 30-34.
Smith College Degrees Offered
Smith College offers over 50 areas of study for undergraduate students, with popular majors including Economics, Government, Psychology, English Language & Literature, and Biology. In addition to the undergraduate programs, the college also offers master’s degrees in Education and Social Work.
Smith College Academics
Smith College is known for its rigorous academics, with a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for small class sizes and personal attention from professors. The college emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities and offers a range of study abroad programs. Additionally, students have access to the resources and courses offered by the other members of the Five College Consortium, which includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Smith College Diversity
Smith College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 30% of enrolled students are people of color, and international students represent over 60 countries. The college offers resources and support for students from various backgrounds through its cultural centers, affinity groups, and diversity-focused programming.
Smith College Students
Smith College has a thriving student community, with over 150 student-run clubs and organizations, as well as opportunities for involvement in athletics, performing arts, and community service. The college offers a unique residential experience, with students living in one of 35 houses on campus, which fosters a strong sense of community and support.
Smith College Campus
Located in the vibrant town of Northampton, the Smith College campus spans over 147 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and access to outdoor recreational opportunities, such as hiking and biking trails.
Smith College Alumni
Smith College has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Julia Child, Gloria Steinem, Sylvia Plath, and Nancy Reagan. The college offers resources and support for alumni through career services, networking opportunities, and lifelong learning programs.
Smith College Rankings
Smith College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Smith College was ranked #14 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #12 in Best Value Schools.
Smith College Outcomes
Graduates of Smith College have a strong record of success, with a 94% six-year graduation rate. According to the college’s data, 90% of recent graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Smith College alumni have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including business, education, government, and non-profit organizations.
Holy Cross Overview
The College of the Holy Cross is a private, Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1843, Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England and is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts, commitment to social justice, and close-knit community. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors including Economics, Political Science, Biology, Psychology, and English.
Holy Cross Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance at Holy Cross is $74,530, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The college offers financial aid packages to eligible students, with approximately 65% of students receiving some form of aid and an average grant amount of $38,000.
Holy Cross Admissions
Admissions at Holy Cross are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 38%. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1300-1460 and an ACT range of 29-33.
Holy Cross Degrees Offered
Holy Cross offers 31 majors and 37 minors for undergraduate students, as well as a variety of interdisciplinary concentrations and pre-professional programs. Popular majors at the college include Economics, Political Science, Biology, Psychology, and English.
Holy Cross Academics
Holy Cross is known for its strong academics and commitment to a liberal arts education. The college has a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, allowing for small class sizes and close interaction with professors. Holy Cross emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.
Holy Cross Diversity
The College of the Holy Cross is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. Approximately 26% of enrolled students are people of color, and the college offers resources and support through its Office of Multicultural Education, cultural centers, and affinity groups.
Holy Cross Students
The Holy Cross student community is active and engaged, with over 100 student-run clubs and organizations on campus. The college offers opportunities for involvement in athletics, performing arts, and community service, as well as a vibrant social scene.
Holy Cross Campus
Located in Worcester, the second-largest city in Massachusetts, the Holy Cross campus spans over 174 acres and features a mix of historic and modern facilities. The college is known for its beautiful campus, which includes a mix of Gothic and contemporary architecture and offers access to a range of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Holy Cross Alumni
Holy Cross has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Bob Cousy, Chris Matthews, Edward P. Jones, and Clarence Thomas. The college offers resources and support for alumni through career services, networking opportunities, and lifelong learning programs.
Holy Cross Rankings
The College of the Holy Cross is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Holy Cross was ranked #33 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #37 in Best Value Schools.
Holy Cross Outcomes
Graduates of Holy Cross have a strong record of success, with a 90% six-year graduation rate. According to the college’s data, 95% of recent graduates were employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Holy Cross alumni have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including business, education, government, and non-profit organizations.
Smith College vs Holy Cross Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Smith College and Holy Cross, it’s important to consider the overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the total cost of attendance at Smith College is $78,800, while the total cost at Holy Cross is $74,530. Both colleges offer financial aid packages to eligible students, with Smith College providing an average grant amount of $49,000 and Holy Cross providing an average grant amount of $38,000.
Smith College vs Holy Cross Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Smith College and Holy Cross are competitive, with acceptance rates of 32% and 38% respectively. The middle 50% of admitted students at Smith College have an SAT score range of 1320-1500 and an ACT range of 30-34, while the middle 50% at Holy Cross have an SAT score range of 1300-1460 and an ACT range of 29-33. Both colleges evaluate applicants based on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Smith College vs Holy Cross Academic Difficulty
Both Smith College and Holy Cross are known for their rigorous academics and commitment to a liberal arts education. At Smith College, the student-faculty ratio is 9:1, while at Holy Cross, it is 10:1. Both colleges offer small class sizes and close interaction with professors, as well as experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research, and study abroad programs. Students at both institutions can expect to be challenged academically and to have access to a wide range of resources and support services.
Smith College vs Holy Cross Outcome Comparison
Comparing the outcomes of graduates from Smith College and Holy Cross, both institutions have strong records of success. Smith College has a 94% six-year graduation rate, with 90% of recent graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Holy Cross has a 90% six-year graduation rate, with 95% of recent graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. Alumni from both colleges have gone on to pursue careers in various fields, including business, education, government, and non-profit organizations.
