Saint Anselm College vs Assumption University

Saint Anselm College and Assumption University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in New Hampshire, offer distinct educational experiences. Saint Anselm, a Catholic liberal arts college, boasts a 73% acceptance rate and a student body of over 2,000 undergraduates. Assumption, a private Catholic university, has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 80% and a larger student body of over 2,500 undergraduates. While both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, Saint Anselm is known for its strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and business, while Assumption excels in the sciences, nursing, and education. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including graduation rates, student demographics, and popular majors, to determine which institution best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Assumption University	Saint Anselm College
Overview
Location	Worcester, Massachusetts	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	82.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	86.5%	77.6%
Application fees	$50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	1140 - 1320
ACT range	N/A	26 - 28
Students submitting SAT score		16.0%
Students submitting ACT score		1.0%
Total number of applicants	4,018	4,007
Total number of admissions given out	3,475	3,109
Admitted students who chose to enroll	415	480
Yield rate	11.9%	15.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$62,768	$61,450
Average net price	$26,513	$34,450
Tuition	$45,100	$42,550
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,904 Meal plan: $5,164	$15,500
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $30,861	100.0% Average amount $27,449
Students receiving federal student loan	67.0% Average amount $5,364	71.0% Average amount $5,334
Students taking out private loans	14.0% Average amount $14,408	16.0% Average amount $16,934

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,911 Men 43.6% Women 56.4%	1,954 Men 38.9% Women 61.1%
Graduate students	373 Men 25.2% Women 74.8%	23 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	1.2%	0.5%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,675	1,958
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Health Professions Psychology Social Sciences	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	71.6%	77.5%
Dropout rate	28.4%	22.5%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,835 Year 2: $64,572 Year 3: $75,568 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,581 Year 2: $50,606 Year 3: $58,527 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,376 Year 2: $48,725 Year 3: $57,005 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,406 Year 2: $47,846 Year 3: $56,817 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,945 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $55,904 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,029 Year 2: $50,105 Year 3: $53,692 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,803 Year 2: $50,677 Year 3: $53,315 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,680 Year 2: $46,999 Year 3: $50,218 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,594 Year 2: $44,635 Year 3: $47,204 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $45,766	Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,972 Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $72,914 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,724 Year 2: $68,858 Year 3: $72,764 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,309 Year 2: $49,019 Year 3: $62,336 Criminology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,099 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: $55,668 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,733 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $52,227 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,537 Year 2: $44,542 Year 3: $47,513 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,384 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $40,778 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $39,729 Year 3: $40,057 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,725 Year 2: $38,649 Year 3: $39,665 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Saint Anselm College and Assumption University?

Saint Anselm College, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a Benedictine liberal arts college known for its strong humanities core and emphasis on community service. Assumption University, situated in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers a broader range of professional programs alongside its liberal arts foundation, with a particular focus on Catholic intellectual tradition and service learning. Saint Anselm has a more rural campus feel, while Assumption is located in a more urban setting.
How do the academic programs at Saint Anselm and Assumption compare?

Both institutions offer a strong liberal arts education. However, Saint Anselm is particularly well-regarded for its programs in politics, nursing, and business, while Assumption excels in fields like education, rehabilitation science, and business administration. Assumption also offers a wider array of graduate programs compared to Saint Anselm.
What is the religious affiliation of each college, and how does it impact campus life?

Saint Anselm College is a Benedictine college, and Assumption University is a Catholic university. Both institutions integrate their religious values into campus life through campus ministry, service opportunities, and academic courses. Saint Anselm's Benedictine tradition emphasizes community, hospitality, and contemplation, while Assumption's Catholic identity focuses on faith, reason, and service to others. Students of all faiths are welcome at both institutions.
Where are Saint Anselm College and Assumption University located, and what are the surrounding areas like?

Saint Anselm College is located in Manchester, New Hampshire, offering a blend of a traditional college campus with access to a mid-sized city. The surrounding area provides opportunities for outdoor activities in the White Mountains and cultural experiences in Boston (about an hour away). Assumption University is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the second-largest city in New England. Worcester offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and easy access to Boston and other major cities in the region.
What is the student body size and campus culture like at each institution?

Saint Anselm College has a smaller undergraduate student body, fostering a close-knit community with strong faculty-student relationships. The campus culture is known for its emphasis on tradition, service, and intellectual engagement. Assumption University has a slightly larger undergraduate population, creating a more diverse campus environment with a wider range of student organizations and activities. Assumption's campus culture emphasizes inclusivity, social justice, and personal growth.
How do the costs of attending Saint Anselm College and Assumption University compare?

The cost of attendance at both Saint Anselm College and Assumption University is comparable, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the actual cost can vary significantly depending on individual financial aid packages and merit-based scholarships. It's best to visit each college's financial aid website to estimate your net cost based on your specific circumstances.
What types of student activities and extracurricular opportunities are available at each college?

Both Saint Anselm College and Assumption University offer a wide range of student activities and extracurricular opportunities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and volunteer programs. Saint Anselm is known for its strong student government, debate team, and campus ministry programs. Assumption University offers a diverse array of clubs and organizations, including performing arts groups, student publications, and service-learning initiatives. Both colleges also have active athletic programs, with opportunities for varsity, club, and intramural sports.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Saint Anselm and Assumption?

Both Saint Anselm College and Assumption University provide comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and internship placement assistance. Saint Anselm's location in Manchester provides access to internship opportunities in various industries, while Assumption's location in Worcester offers a wide range of internship opportunities in healthcare, education, and business.
What are the admission requirements for Saint Anselm College and Assumption University?

Both Saint Anselm College and Assumption University require applicants to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT, though test-optional policies may apply), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of each applicant's academic record, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. It's recommended to check each college's admission website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.
Which college is better for me: Saint Anselm or Assumption?

The best college for you depends on your individual academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. If you're seeking a smaller, more traditional liberal arts college with a strong Benedictine influence and a focus on humanities, Saint Anselm might be a good fit. If you prefer a slightly larger university with a broader range of professional programs, a Catholic intellectual tradition, and a more urban setting, Assumption University could be a better choice. Visiting both campuses and speaking with current students and faculty is highly recommended to help you make an informed decision.

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