Haverford College vs Pitzer College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences between Haverford and Pitzer?

  Haverford College, located in Haverford, Pennsylvania, is a small, highly selective liberal arts college known for its Honor Code and strong emphasis on community governance. Pitzer College, part of the Claremont Colleges consortium in Claremont, California, is also a selective liberal arts college, but it emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, social responsibility, and student-designed majors. Haverford has a more traditional liberal arts focus, while Pitzer is known for its progressive and experimental approach to education.

• How do the academic environments compare at Haverford and Pitzer?

  Haverford's academic environment is characterized by its rigorous curriculum and the Honor Code, which promotes academic integrity and student autonomy. Pitzer's academic environment is more interdisciplinary and encourages students to create their own majors and engage in community-based learning. Both colleges offer small class sizes and close relationships with faculty, but Pitzer places a greater emphasis on social justice and global engagement within its curriculum.

• What are the strengths of Haverford's academic programs?

  Haverford excels in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It has particularly strong programs in English, history, biology, and physics. The college's close relationship with Bryn Mawr College allows students to cross-register for courses and access a wider range of academic resources.

• What are the strengths of Pitzer's academic programs?

  Pitzer is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary programs, particularly in the social sciences, such as environmental analysis, political studies, and organizational studies. Its emphasis on social responsibility is reflected in its curriculum and research opportunities. The Claremont Colleges consortium provides access to a wide array of courses and resources across the five undergraduate colleges.

• How do the campuses and locations differ?

  Haverford's campus is a beautiful, arboretum-like setting located in a suburban area just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pitzer's campus is modern and located in Claremont, California, a small college town about 30 miles east of Los Angeles. Haverford offers a more traditional East Coast college experience, while Pitzer provides access to the vibrant culture and opportunities of Southern California.

• What is student life like at Haverford?

  Student life at Haverford is centered around the Honor Code, which fosters a strong sense of community and personal responsibility. Students are actively involved in campus governance and extracurricular activities. The college has a vibrant arts scene and a strong tradition of student activism. The proximity to Philadelphia provides opportunities for cultural and social engagement beyond campus.

• What is student life like at Pitzer?

  Student life at Pitzer is characterized by its progressive and socially conscious atmosphere. Students are actively involved in social justice issues and community engagement. The Claremont Colleges consortium provides a diverse range of social and extracurricular opportunities. Pitzer's residential life is designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Haverford and Pitzer is high, as is typical of selective liberal arts colleges. However, both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to students with demonstrated need. It's important to compare the net cost of attendance (after financial aid) for your specific circumstances to determine which college is more affordable.

• What are the career prospects for graduates of Haverford and Pitzer?

  Graduates of both Haverford and Pitzer are well-prepared for a variety of careers and graduate programs. Haverford graduates often pursue careers in law, medicine, academia, and finance. Pitzer graduates are well-suited for careers in public policy, non-profit organizations, and social entrepreneurship. Both colleges have strong alumni networks that provide support and mentorship to recent graduates.

• How does the size of the student body compare?

  Both Haverford and Pitzer are small liberal arts colleges. Haverford typically has around 1,300 students, while Pitzer has around 1,100. This small size allows for close interaction between students and faculty and fosters a strong sense of community on both campuses.

• What are the admission rates for Haverford and Pitzer?

  Both Haverford and Pitzer are highly selective institutions. Admission rates fluctuate from year to year, but both colleges typically admit a relatively small percentage of applicants. It's important to have a strong academic record, compelling essays, and meaningful extracurricular involvement to be competitive for admission to either college.

• How does the consortium membership affect the student experience at Pitzer?

  Pitzer's membership in the Claremont Colleges consortium significantly enhances the student experience. Students can take courses at any of the five undergraduate colleges (Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer), access shared resources such as libraries and athletic facilities, and participate in a wide range of social and extracurricular activities across the consortium. This provides a much larger and more diverse college experience than Pitzer could offer on its own.

• How does Haverford's relationship with Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore affect the student experience?

  Haverford's close relationship with Bryn Mawr College and its connection to Swarthmore College (through the Tri-College Consortium) enriches the student experience. Students can cross-register for courses at Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore, expanding their academic options. The close proximity and collaborative spirit between the colleges also foster social and intellectual exchange among students and faculty.