Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Harvey Mudd College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the core academic philosophies of Olin College and Harvey Mudd College?

  Olin College emphasizes a project-based, hands-on learning approach from day one, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking. Harvey Mudd, while also valuing hands-on learning, maintains a stronger emphasis on a rigorous, fundamental science and mathematics foundation alongside engineering. Think of Olin as 'learning by doing' and Harvey Mudd as 'learning by understanding, then doing'.

• How do the campus cultures differ between Olin and Harvey Mudd?

  Olin College fosters a highly collaborative and experimental environment, often described as a startup culture. It's known for its close-knit community and student-driven initiatives. Harvey Mudd, part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, offers a broader social experience with access to resources and social activities across the five undergraduate colleges. Mudd's culture is academically intense but also values a strong sense of community and support.

• What are the key differences in the engineering specializations offered at each college?

  Olin College doesn't offer traditional engineering majors. Instead, students pursue a general engineering degree with the opportunity to concentrate in areas like electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or design. Harvey Mudd offers more traditional and specialized engineering majors, including engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. If you want a broad engineering education with flexibility, Olin is a good choice. If you prefer a specific engineering discipline, Harvey Mudd is likely a better fit.

• How do Olin and Harvey Mudd approach the humanities and social sciences?

  Olin College integrates humanities and social sciences into its engineering curriculum, emphasizing their relevance to design and innovation. All students take courses in these areas, but the focus remains on their application to engineering challenges. Harvey Mudd requires students to take a significant number of humanities, social sciences, and arts (HSA) courses, providing a broader liberal arts education alongside their STEM studies. Harvey Mudd offers a more in-depth exploration of these subjects.

• What is the size and structure of the student body at Olin and Harvey Mudd?

  Olin College is significantly smaller, with around 350 undergraduates, creating a very intimate and collaborative learning environment. Harvey Mudd is larger, with approximately 900 undergraduates, offering a wider range of perspectives and experiences while still maintaining a relatively small college feel. The smaller size of Olin allows for more personalized attention and closer relationships with faculty.

• How does the consortium environment at Harvey Mudd College impact student life?

  Harvey Mudd's membership in the Claremont Colleges consortium provides students with access to courses, resources, and social activities across five undergraduate colleges (Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd). This offers a much broader range of academic and extracurricular opportunities than Olin College, allowing students to easily explore interests outside of STEM and interact with a more diverse student body.

• What are the career outcomes typically seen for graduates of Olin and Harvey Mudd?

  Graduates from both Olin and Harvey Mudd are highly sought after by employers in various industries. Olin graduates often pursue careers in startups, design firms, and innovative companies, leveraging their entrepreneurial and design thinking skills. Harvey Mudd graduates find success in research, development, and leadership roles in established tech companies, engineering firms, and academia, benefiting from their strong technical foundation.

• How do the grading systems differ between Olin and Harvey Mudd?

  Olin College uses a unique grading system that emphasizes feedback and growth over traditional letter grades. While they do assign grades, the focus is on providing detailed feedback to help students learn and improve. Harvey Mudd uses a more traditional grading system with letter grades, although they also emphasize providing feedback to students. The grading system at Olin is designed to reduce stress and encourage experimentation.

• What is the tuition cost and financial aid situation at Olin and Harvey Mudd?

  Both Olin College and Harvey Mudd have high tuition costs, reflecting their commitment to providing a high-quality education. However, both institutions also offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. It's important to visit their respective financial aid websites to understand the specific costs and aid options available to you based on your family's financial situation.

• What are the similarities between Olin College and Harvey Mudd College?

  Both Olin College and Harvey Mudd College are highly selective institutions that attract bright, motivated students interested in STEM fields. They both emphasize hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. Both colleges also have a strong sense of community and are committed to providing students with a supportive and challenging academic environment. They both produce graduates who are well-prepared for successful careers in engineering and related fields.