Colby College vs The University of the South

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences between Colby College and The University of the South (Sewanee)?

  Colby College, located in Waterville, Maine, is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its strong academics, particularly in environmental studies, government, and economics. It boasts a more modern campus and a larger student body. The University of the South, often called Sewanee, is a smaller, more traditional liberal arts college situated atop the Cumberland Plateau in Sewanee, Tennessee. It's known for its strong sense of community, beautiful gothic architecture, and emphasis on the humanities and pre-professional programs like pre-med and pre-law. Sewanee also has a unique connection to the Episcopal Church.

• How do the academic reputations of Colby and Sewanee compare?

  Both Colby and Sewanee are highly regarded liberal arts colleges. Colby is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong research opportunities, particularly in areas like environmental science and global studies. Sewanee is known for its strong humanities programs, its emphasis on writing, and its close-knit academic community. Both institutions attract academically talented students, but Colby generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate, indicating a more competitive admissions process.

• What is the typical student life like at Colby versus Sewanee?

  Colby offers a vibrant student life with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. Its location in Waterville provides access to outdoor recreation and cultural events. Sewanee's student life is characterized by a strong sense of community and tradition. Students are highly involved in campus activities, and the university's remote location fosters a close-knit environment. Sewanee also has a unique Greek life system and a strong emphasis on honor and tradition.

• How do the campus environments differ between Colby and Sewanee?

  Colby's campus is more modern and features state-of-the-art facilities. It's located in a small city, providing students with access to urban amenities. Sewanee's campus is known for its stunning gothic architecture and natural beauty. Its location on the Cumberland Plateau offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and a more secluded, rural environment.

• What are the career services and post-graduate opportunities like at each college?

  Both Colby and Sewanee offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their careers. Colby's location and strong alumni network provide access to internships and job opportunities in a variety of fields. Sewanee's strong alumni network and emphasis on pre-professional programs help students pursue careers in medicine, law, and other fields. Both colleges have strong track records of placing graduates in competitive jobs and graduate programs.

• How do the costs of attending Colby and Sewanee compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Colby and Sewanee is significant, as is typical of private liberal arts colleges. However, both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to help make college affordable. It's best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as details on financial aid and scholarship opportunities. The net price, after financial aid, can vary significantly depending on a family's financial situation.

• What are the strengths of Colby College?

  Colby College excels in several areas. Its strong academic programs, particularly in environmental studies, government, and economics, are highly regarded. The college's commitment to research and its modern facilities provide students with excellent learning opportunities. Colby's location in Maine offers access to outdoor recreation and cultural events, and its strong alumni network provides valuable career connections.

• What are the strengths of The University of the South (Sewanee)?

  Sewanee's strengths lie in its strong sense of community, beautiful campus, and emphasis on the humanities. The university's close-knit academic environment and small class sizes foster strong relationships between students and faculty. Sewanee's location on the Cumberland Plateau provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, and its unique traditions and connection to the Episcopal Church create a distinctive campus culture.

• Are there any specific programs or majors that one college is particularly known for over the other?

  Colby is particularly well-known for its environmental studies program, its government department, and its strong economics program. Sewanee is known for its strong humanities programs, particularly English and history, and its pre-med and pre-law programs. While both offer a wide range of majors, these are areas where each college has a particularly strong reputation.

• What is the size and diversity of the student body at Colby versus Sewanee?

  Colby has a larger student body than Sewanee, with around 2,000 students compared to Sewanee's approximately 1,700. Both colleges are committed to increasing diversity on campus, but Colby generally has a slightly more diverse student population in terms of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Both institutions are actively working to create inclusive and welcoming environments for students from all backgrounds.