Castleton University vs Keene State

Castleton University and Keene State College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Castleton, nestled in the picturesque town of Castleton, Vermont, boasts a close-knit community and a focus on personalized attention, with an acceptance rate of 85%. Keene State, located in the vibrant city of Keene, New Hampshire, offers a diverse range of academic programs and a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with an acceptance rate of 78%. While Castleton's student body is predominantly female (60%), Keene State's is more evenly balanced (52% female, 48% male). Both universities offer a variety of popular majors, including Business, Education, and Psychology, but Castleton excels in Environmental Science and Biology, while Keene State shines in Communication and Social Work. With graduation rates of 58% and 62% respectively, both institutions are committed to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which university aligns best

	Castleton University	Keene State College
Overview
Location	Castleton, Vermont	Keene, New Hampshire
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	67.0%	75.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.3%	88.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $40	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	958 - 1158	970 - 1170
ACT range	16 - 22	24 - 25
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	16.0%
Students submitting ACT score	1.0%	1.0%
Total number of applicants	2,447	4,796
Total number of admissions given out	2,136	4,225
Admitted students who chose to enroll	391	749
Yield rate	18.3%	17.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,308 Out of state: $44,276	In state: $27,606 Out of state: $37,962
Average net price	$17,970	$20,058
Tuition	In state: $11,832 Out of state: $28,800	In state: $11,754 Out of state: $22,110
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,312 Meal plan: $4,730	Room/dormitory: $7,730 Meal plan: $4,798
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $13,124	99.0% Average amount $9,531
Students receiving federal student loan	75.0% Average amount $5,202	72.0% Average amount $5,158
Students taking out private loans	19.0% Average amount $13,210	25.0% Average amount $14,663

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,744 Men 44.2% Women 55.8%	2,964 Men 45.5% Women 54.5%
Graduate students	625 Men 22.6% Women 77.4%	136 Men 37.5% Women 62.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	50.9%	51.2%
International students	3.2%	0.4%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	1,100	2,058
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Vermont New York New Hampshire Connecticut New Jersey	New Hampshire Mississippi Connecticut Vermont New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Multidisciplinary Studies Education	Education Visual & Performing Arts Health Professions Social Sciences Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	55.1%	59.9%
Dropout rate	15.3%	39.9%
Transferred out	28.5%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,804 Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $68,139 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $58,221 Year 3: $62,747 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,798 Year 3: $49,942 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,266 Year 2: $37,363 Year 3: $42,872 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,556 Year 2: $31,581 Year 3: $40,781 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,579 Year 2: $26,585 Year 3: $38,364 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,193 Year 2: $33,687 Year 3: $37,105 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,109 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $35,029 Sociology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,047 Year 3: $33,702 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,023 Year 2: $62,839 Year 3: $68,170 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,926 Year 2: $55,693 Year 3: $61,948 Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,424 Year 2: $49,980 Year 3: $61,103 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,470 Year 2: $40,368 Year 3: $50,477 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,118 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $49,079 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,889 Year 2: $44,542 Year 3: $48,338 Architecture (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,199 Year 2: $40,461 Year 3: $47,388 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,128 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $45,814 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,745 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $45,468 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,382 Year 2: $35,653 Year 3: $44,504

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic differences between Castleton University and Keene State College?

Castleton University offers a broader range of programs, including a strong emphasis on education, health sciences, and business. Keene State College is particularly well-regarded for its programs in education, arts, and sciences. While both offer a solid liberal arts foundation, Keene State often has a more focused approach within specific disciplines, while Castleton provides a wider variety of options.
How do the campus environments of Castleton University and Keene State College compare?

Castleton University boasts a more traditional, picturesque New England campus with a close-knit community feel. It's located in a smaller town, offering a quieter atmosphere. Keene State College is situated in a more urban setting, providing students with greater access to city amenities and a more diverse social environment. Both campuses are generally considered safe and welcoming.
What is the cost of attendance at Castleton University versus Keene State College?

Generally, both institutions offer competitive tuition rates. However, the specific costs can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state), financial aid packages, and the specific program of study. It's recommended to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, and to explore financial aid options.
How do the student populations differ at Castleton University and Keene State College?

Castleton University tends to have a slightly smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Keene State College typically has a larger student population, which can lead to a broader range of social opportunities and a more diverse student body. Both colleges attract students from various backgrounds and locations.
What are the strengths of the athletic programs at Castleton University and Keene State College?

Both universities offer a variety of NCAA Division III athletic programs. Castleton University has a strong reputation for its hockey and lacrosse programs. Keene State College is known for its competitive programs in sports like soccer, basketball, and track and field. The specific sports offered and the level of competition may vary, so it's best to check the individual athletic websites for details.
How does the location of Castleton University and Keene State College impact the student experience?

Castleton University's location in Vermont provides easy access to outdoor recreational activities like skiing, hiking, and snowboarding. Keene State College, located in New Hampshire, offers proximity to larger cities like Boston and access to a wider range of cultural events, internships, and job opportunities. The location influences the types of activities and experiences available to students.
What are the career services like at Castleton University and Keene State College?

Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. The specific resources and opportunities may vary. It's advisable to explore the career services websites of both institutions to understand the support offered, including internship programs, career fairs, and alumni networking opportunities.
Which college is better for students interested in education programs?

Both Castleton University and Keene State College have strong education programs. Keene State College has a particularly long-standing and well-regarded reputation in the field of education. Castleton University also offers excellent education programs with a focus on practical experience. The best choice depends on the specific program and the student's individual preferences.
How do the housing options compare at Castleton University and Keene State College?

Both universities offer on-campus housing options for students. The specific types of housing, such as residence halls, apartments, and suites, may vary. It's recommended to review the housing websites of both institutions to understand the available options, costs, and application processes.
What is the overall campus culture like at Castleton University and Keene State College?

Castleton University is known for its friendly and supportive campus culture, with a strong emphasis on community. Keene State College has a vibrant and active campus culture, with a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and events. Both colleges strive to create a welcoming environment for students.

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