Vassar College vs Pitzer College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key academic differences between Vassar College and Pitzer College?

  Vassar College offers a broad liberal arts curriculum with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and a wide range of majors, including pre-med and pre-law tracks. Pitzer College, on the other hand, is known for its focus on social justice, environmental concerns, and interdisciplinary studies, with a particular emphasis on the social sciences. Pitzer also has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and encourages students to design their own majors.

• How do the campus cultures of Vassar and Pitzer compare?

  Vassar College has a more traditional liberal arts college feel with a strong emphasis on residential life and a vibrant campus community. It's known for its active arts scene and a history of progressive values. Pitzer College fosters a more informal and politically active environment, with a strong emphasis on social justice and community engagement. It is part of the Claremont Consortium, which allows students to take classes and participate in activities at the other Claremont Colleges.

• What is the student body like at Vassar versus Pitzer?

  Vassar College attracts a diverse student body from various backgrounds, with a strong representation of students interested in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Pitzer College also has a diverse student body, but it tends to attract students who are passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, and global issues. Both colleges are known for their inclusive and welcoming environments.

• How does the location of Vassar and Pitzer impact the student experience?

  Vassar College is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, offering access to the Hudson Valley and proximity to New York City (about a 90-minute train ride). This provides students with opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and weekend trips. Pitzer College is located in Claremont, California, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This offers access to the resources and opportunities of Southern California, including internships, cultural events, and outdoor activities.

• What are the housing options like at Vassar and Pitzer?

  Vassar College has a residential campus with a variety of housing options, including traditional dorms, co-ops, and special interest houses. The college emphasizes a strong residential experience. Pitzer College also has a residential campus, with a focus on creating a sense of community within its housing. Students at Pitzer also have access to housing options within the Claremont Consortium.

• How do the costs of attendance compare between Vassar and Pitzer?

  The costs of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, are generally comparable between Vassar and Pitzer. Both colleges offer financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help make education accessible. It's recommended to check the specific financial aid websites of each college for the most up-to-date information.

• What are the career services like at Vassar and Pitzer?

  Both Vassar and Pitzer offer robust career services to help students with internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. Vassar's career services often leverage its strong alumni network, particularly in the arts and humanities. Pitzer's career services often focus on careers related to social justice, environmental sustainability, and public service, and also benefit from the resources of the Claremont Consortium.

• How do the alumni networks of Vassar and Pitzer differ?

  Vassar College has a well-established and active alumni network, particularly strong in the arts, media, and humanities. The alumni are known for their loyalty and willingness to support current students. Pitzer College's alumni network is smaller but growing, with a strong focus on social impact and environmental sustainability. The Claremont Consortium also provides additional networking opportunities.

• Which college is better for a student interested in social justice?

  Pitzer College is generally considered a better fit for students with a strong interest in social justice due to its curriculum, campus culture, and focus on activism and community engagement. However, Vassar College also has a history of progressive values and offers opportunities for students interested in social justice through its academic programs and extracurricular activities.

• Which college is better for a student interested in the arts?

  Vassar College is often considered a better choice for students interested in the arts, due to its strong arts programs, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to New York City. However, Pitzer College also offers opportunities for artistic expression and engagement, and students can also take advantage of the arts programs at the other Claremont Colleges.