This article compares two well-known educational institutions: St. Mikes and Hampshire College, covering various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes. The purpose of this comparison is to provide a comprehensive analysis to help prospective students make informed decisions about their higher education.
St. Mikes Overview
St. Mikes, officially known as Saint Michael’s College, is a private liberal arts college located in Colchester, Vermont. Founded in 1904, St. Mikes offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, emphasizing a strong foundation in the liberal arts.
St. Mikes Costs & Tuition
Tuition at St. Mikes for the academic year 2021-2022 is $46,715, with an additional room and board cost of $14,480. Financial aid is available for eligible students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
St. Mikes Admissions
Admission to St. Mikes is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 79%. The college uses a holistic approach in evaluating applicants, taking into account high school transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), recommendation letters, and personal essays.
St. Mikes Degrees Offered
St. Mikes offers over 30 majors and 40 minors, with popular programs in Business, Education, Biology, Psychology, and Media Studies. Additionally, the college offers pre-professional programs in fields such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-engineering, as well as several accelerated dual-degree programs in partnership with other institutions.
St. Mikes Academics
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, St. Mikes provides a personalized learning experience, emphasizing close collaboration between students and faculty. The college follows a liberal arts curriculum that encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making across various disciplines.
St. Mikes Diversity
St. Mikes has a diverse student body, with students representing various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The college is committed to promoting a welcoming and inclusive campus environment, offering resources and programs that foster diversity and inclusion.
St. Mikes Students
St. Mikes has a total student enrollment of approximately 2,000 students, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students. The college offers various clubs, organizations, and activities that cater to a wide range of student interests, helping them develop leadership skills and a sense of community.
St. Mikes Campus
The picturesque St. Mikes campus spans over 440 acres and features state-of-the-art academic facilities, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The college’s location in Vermont provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts.
St. Mikes Alumni
Notable St. Mikes alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Moats, former Vermont Governor Phil Hoff, and actress Susan Howard. The college maintains a strong alumni network, providing graduates with resources, connections, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
St. Mikes Rankings
St. Mikes consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks the college #124 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #22 in Best Value Schools.
St. Mikes Outcomes
According to St. Mikes, 92% of the class of 2020 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in service programs within six months of graduation. The college offers career counseling and resources to help students prepare for their postgraduate pursuits.
Hampshire College Overview
Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1970, Hampshire is known for its innovative approach to education, emphasizing individualized learning, interdisciplinary study, and self-designed majors.
Hampshire College Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at Hampshire College is $50,030, with additional room and board costs of $13,000. Like St. Mikes, Hampshire offers financial aid to eligible students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Hampshire College Admissions
Admission to Hampshire College is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 63%. Similar to St. Mikes, Hampshire employs a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as high school transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, and an applicant’s demonstrated interest in the college. Hampshire College is test-optional, meaning that submitting standardized test scores is not required.
Hampshire College Degrees Offered
Hampshire College does not have traditional majors and minors. Instead, students design their own individualized programs of study, working closely with faculty advisors to develop a curriculum that aligns with their academic interests and career goals. Popular areas of study include Film and Media Studies, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Hampshire College Academics
Hampshire College’s academic program is based on a pedagogical model that emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and reflection. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and support from their professors. The college’s curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Hampshire College Diversity
Hampshire College is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The college provides resources and support programs to promote equity, inclusion, and social justice on campus.
Hampshire College Students
Hampshire College has a total student enrollment of approximately 1,200 students, with a vibrant campus life that offers numerous clubs, organizations, and activities catering to diverse interests. The college encourages students to take an active role in their education and community, fostering a culture of collaboration and engagement.
Hampshire College Campus
Located in the scenic Pioneer Valley, Hampshire College’s campus covers 800 acres and features modern academic facilities, residence halls, and recreational spaces. The college’s proximity to the Five College Consortium (Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst) provides students with access to additional resources and opportunities for collaboration.
Hampshire College Alumni
Prominent Hampshire College alumni include filmmaker Ken Burns, actress Lupita Nyong’o, and entrepreneur Gary Hirshberg. The college’s alumni network supports graduates in their professional and personal pursuits, maintaining connections and offering resources for continued growth and development.
Hampshire College Rankings
Hampshire College is consistently recognized for its innovative approach to education and commitment to social justice. The college is ranked #20 in Most Innovative Schools and #57 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
Hampshire College Outcomes
Hampshire College reports that 65% of its alumni have pursued graduate degrees, and 96% are employed or continuing their education within a year of graduation. The college provides career counseling and resources to support students in their postgraduate endeavors.
St. Mikes vs Hampshire College Cost Comparison
When considering the costs of attending St. Mikes or Hampshire College, it is important to factor in tuition, room and board, and other potential expenses. For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition at St. Mikes is $46,715, and room and board is an additional $14,480. In comparison, Hampshire College’s tuition is $50,030 with an additional room and board cost of $13,000. While Hampshire College’s tuition is higher, its room and board costs are lower than those at St. Mikes.
Financial aid packages will vary for each student, so it is essential to consider individual circumstances when comparing the costs of attending each institution. Both colleges offer financial aid to eligible students through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
St. Mikes vs Hampshire College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both St. Mikes and Hampshire College are competitive, but they differ in acceptance rates. St. Mikes has an acceptance rate of around 79%, while Hampshire College’s acceptance rate is approximately 63%. Both colleges use a holistic approach in evaluating applicants, considering factors such as high school transcripts, recommendation letters, personal essays, and extracurricular involvement.
While both colleges are test-optional, meaning that submitting standardized test scores is not required, Hampshire College may place a stronger emphasis on an applicant’s demonstrated interest in the college’s unique educational model.
St. Mikes vs Hampshire College Academic Difficulty
St. Mikes and Hampshire College both offer rigorous academic programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition. However, the academic experience at each institution differs significantly due to their respective curricular approaches.
At St. Mikes, students choose from over 30 majors and 40 minors, following a more traditional liberal arts curriculum. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, St. Mikes provides personalized attention and support, emphasizing close collaboration between students and faculty.
In contrast, Hampshire College’s innovative approach encourages students to design their own individualized programs of study, working closely with faculty advisors to develop a curriculum that aligns with their academic interests and career goals. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, Hampshire College emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and reflection in its pedagogical model.
Ultimately, the academic difficulty at each institution will depend on a student’s individual course load and major. However, both St. Mikes and Hampshire College are committed to providing rigorous, engaging, and transformative educational experiences for their students.
St. Mikes vs Hampshire College Outcome Comparison
Both St. Mikes and Hampshire College boast strong outcomes for their graduates. According to St. Mikes, 92% of the class of 2020 were employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in service programs within six months of graduation. Hampshire College reports that 65% of its alumni have pursued graduate degrees, and 96% are employed or continuing their education within a year of graduation.
While specific outcomes will vary depending on individual circumstances, both St. Mikes and Hampshire College provide resources and support to help students succeed in their postgraduate pursuits. Factors such as career counseling, alumni networks, and experiential learning opportunities can contribute to positive outcomes for graduates of both institutions.
