Washington College vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Washington College and UNC Chapel Hill?

  Washington College is a small, private liberal arts college located in Chestertown, Maryland, emphasizing personalized attention and a close-knit community. UNC Chapel Hill, on the other hand, is a large, public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offering a wider range of academic programs and research opportunities. Washington College provides a more intimate learning environment, while UNC Chapel Hill offers the resources and breadth of a major research institution.

• How do the academic programs compare between Washington College and UNC Chapel Hill?

  Washington College focuses primarily on undergraduate liberal arts education, with strengths in fields like English, history, and environmental science. UNC Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional schools like medicine, law, and business. While Washington College provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, UNC Chapel Hill offers more specialized and advanced academic options.

• What is the typical class size and student-to-faculty ratio at each school?

  Washington College boasts a small class size, typically around 15-20 students, and a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 10:1. This allows for more individualized attention from professors. UNC Chapel Hill has larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses, and a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 11:1. While UNC Chapel Hill's ratio is similar, the actual class sizes can be significantly larger.

• How do the costs of attending Washington College and UNC Chapel Hill compare?

  Washington College, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost than UNC Chapel Hill, which is a public university. However, financial aid packages can vary significantly, so it's important to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) at both schools based on your individual circumstances. UNC Chapel Hill offers lower tuition rates for in-state residents.

• What is campus life like at Washington College versus UNC Chapel Hill?

  Washington College offers a tight-knit campus community with a focus on student involvement and extracurricular activities. Its smaller size fosters a strong sense of belonging. UNC Chapel Hill has a more diverse and vibrant campus life, with a wide array of student organizations, athletic events, and cultural activities. The larger student body at UNC Chapel Hill provides more opportunities for social interaction and exploration.

• What are the research opportunities like at each institution?

  While Washington College offers undergraduate research opportunities, UNC Chapel Hill, as a major research university, provides significantly more extensive research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. UNC Chapel Hill has numerous research centers and institutes, offering students the chance to work alongside leading researchers in various fields.

• How do the locations of Washington College and UNC Chapel Hill differ?

  Washington College is located in Chestertown, Maryland, a small, historic town on the Eastern Shore. This provides a quieter, more focused learning environment. UNC Chapel Hill is situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a vibrant college town with a lively arts and music scene. Chapel Hill offers more urban amenities and access to a larger metropolitan area.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at each school?

  Both Washington College and UNC Chapel Hill offer career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UNC Chapel Hill, with its larger alumni network, may offer more extensive networking opportunities in certain fields. Washington College's alumni network, while smaller, is known for being very supportive and accessible to current students.

• What type of student typically thrives at Washington College versus UNC Chapel Hill?

  Washington College is a good fit for students who prefer a small, intimate learning environment with personalized attention from professors. Students who thrive at UNC Chapel Hill are typically independent, self-motivated, and enjoy a larger, more diverse campus environment with a wide range of academic and extracurricular options.

• Are there any specific academic programs where one school is notably stronger than the other?

  UNC Chapel Hill is particularly strong in areas like journalism, public health, and business, due to its dedicated professional schools. Washington College has a strong reputation in environmental science and pre-law, with a focus on experiential learning and close faculty mentorship. Consider your specific academic interests when evaluating the strengths of each institution.