Bucknell University vs College of the Holy Cross

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences between Bucknell University and College of the Holy Cross?

  Bucknell University and College of the Holy Cross are both highly regarded liberal arts institutions, but they differ in several key aspects. Bucknell is a larger university with a broader range of undergraduate programs, including engineering and management, in addition to its strong liberal arts offerings. Holy Cross, on the other hand, is a smaller, exclusively undergraduate liberal arts college with a Jesuit tradition. This difference in size and scope impacts the overall campus culture and academic focus.

• How do the academic programs at Bucknell and Holy Cross compare?

  Bucknell offers a wider array of academic programs, including engineering, management, and a more extensive selection of science programs, alongside its strong liberal arts core. Holy Cross focuses exclusively on undergraduate liberal arts education, emphasizing humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences within that framework. While both institutions offer excellent programs, Bucknell provides more options for students interested in pre-professional fields or specialized areas of study.

• What is the campus culture like at Bucknell versus Holy Cross?

  Bucknell's campus culture is often described as more diverse and encompassing a wider range of interests due to its larger size and inclusion of engineering and management students. There's a strong emphasis on both academics and extracurricular activities, including Greek life. Holy Cross, with its smaller size and Jesuit tradition, fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on service, social justice, and intellectual inquiry. The atmosphere is generally perceived as more academically focused and less centered on Greek life than Bucknell.

• How do the locations of Bucknell and Holy Cross differ, and how does that affect student life?

  Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, a small, rural town. This setting provides a more secluded and focused campus environment. College of the Holy Cross is situated in Worcester, Massachusetts, a mid-sized city. This urban location offers students access to a wider range of cultural, social, and internship opportunities. The location significantly impacts the types of extracurricular activities and off-campus experiences available to students.

• What are the religious affiliations of Bucknell and Holy Cross, and how does that influence the student experience?

  Bucknell University has historical ties to the Baptist tradition but is now non-denominational. While religious life is present on campus, it doesn't significantly influence the overall student experience for most students. College of the Holy Cross is a Jesuit, Catholic college. This affiliation is central to its mission and values, emphasizing service, social justice, and a commitment to intellectual and spiritual growth. The Jesuit tradition permeates the curriculum and campus culture.

• How do the costs of attending Bucknell and Holy Cross compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Bucknell University and College of the Holy Cross is relatively similar, placing them among the more expensive private institutions in the United States. However, the net cost for individual students can vary significantly based on financial aid packages. It's crucial to compare the financial aid offers from both institutions to determine the most affordable option.

• What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios at Bucknell and Holy Cross?

  Both Bucknell and Holy Cross pride themselves on offering small class sizes and favorable student-to-faculty ratios, fostering close interactions between students and professors. Holy Cross generally has slightly smaller class sizes due to its smaller overall student population. However, both institutions provide a learning environment conducive to personalized attention and mentorship.

• What are the strengths of Bucknell's engineering and management programs compared to Holy Cross?

  Holy Cross does not offer engineering or dedicated management programs. Bucknell's engineering and management programs are highly regarded and provide students with hands-on learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for internships and research. Students interested in these fields will find Bucknell to be a significantly better fit.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at Bucknell and Holy Cross?

  Both Bucknell and Holy Cross have strong career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job searching, and career counseling. Both institutions also boast active and supportive alumni networks that can be valuable resources for graduates seeking employment or networking opportunities. The strength of each network varies by industry and geographic location, so it's worth researching alumni connections in your field of interest.

• What are the similarities between Bucknell University and College of the Holy Cross?

  Despite their differences, Bucknell and Holy Cross share several important similarities. Both are highly selective, private liberal arts institutions committed to providing a rigorous academic experience. They both emphasize small class sizes, close student-faculty relationships, and a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a variety of fields. Both also have strong reputations and attract high-achieving students.