Connecticut College vs St. Mary's College of Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences in academic focus between Connecticut College and St. Mary's College of Maryland?

  Connecticut College emphasizes a liberal arts education with a focus on interdisciplinary learning through its Connections curriculum, encouraging students to explore diverse fields and make connections between them. St. Mary's College of Maryland, a public honors college, also offers a strong liberal arts foundation but with a particular emphasis on public policy, history, and the environment, often incorporating experiential learning opportunities related to these areas.

• How do the campus environments and locations compare?

  Connecticut College is located in New London, Connecticut, a small city on the coast, offering a traditional New England college town experience. St. Mary's College of Maryland is situated in St. Mary's City, Maryland, a historic location on the St. Mary's River, providing a more rural and historically rich setting. St. Mary's location is more secluded than Connecticut College's.

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

  Both colleges pride themselves on small class sizes and close interaction with faculty. Connecticut College has an average class size of around 16 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. St. Mary's College of Maryland also maintains small classes, with an average class size of around 17 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. You can expect personalized attention from professors at both institutions.

• How do the costs of attending Connecticut College and St. Mary's College of Maryland compare?

  Connecticut College, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost compared to St. Mary's College of Maryland, which is a public honors college. However, the actual cost for you will depend on financial aid and scholarships. St. Mary's offers a more affordable option, especially for in-state students, while Connecticut College offers generous financial aid packages to make it accessible to a diverse range of students. Be sure to compare the net cost after financial aid at both schools.

• What types of extracurricular activities and student life opportunities are available at each college?

  Both colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities. Connecticut College has a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, organizations, performing arts groups, and a strong emphasis on community engagement. St. Mary's College of Maryland also offers a diverse array of clubs and organizations, with a particular focus on activities related to its unique location and academic strengths, such as sailing, environmental clubs, and historical societies. Both schools have active student governments and offer leadership opportunities.

• What are the athletic programs like at Connecticut College and St. Mary's College of Maryland?

  Connecticut College competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Camels, with a range of varsity sports. St. Mary's College of Maryland also competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Seahawks, with a strong sailing program due to its waterfront location. Both colleges offer opportunities for students to participate in intercollegiate sports, intramural sports, and recreational activities.

• What are the career services and post-graduation outcomes like for students at each college?

  Both Connecticut College and St. Mary's College of Maryland provide comprehensive career services to help students prepare for life after graduation. Connecticut College emphasizes career exploration and internships through its Connections program, leading to successful outcomes in various fields. St. Mary's College of Maryland focuses on preparing students for careers in public service, education, and the non-profit sector, as well as graduate studies. Both colleges have strong alumni networks to support graduates in their career pursuits.

• How do the admission requirements and acceptance rates compare between the two colleges?

  Both Connecticut College and St. Mary's College of Maryland are selective institutions. Connecticut College typically has a lower acceptance rate, reflecting its higher level of selectivity as a private liberal arts college. St. Mary's College of Maryland, while still selective, may have a slightly higher acceptance rate. Both colleges consider a range of factors in their admission process, including academic record, standardized test scores (though many liberal arts colleges are test-optional), essays, and extracurricular involvement. Check each college's website for the most up-to-date information.

• What are some unique programs or features that distinguish each college?

  Connecticut College is known for its Connections curriculum, which integrates learning across disciplines and encourages students to develop a personalized academic pathway. St. Mary's College of Maryland is distinguished by its public honors college status, its focus on public policy and history, and its unique location in a historic setting. Its location provides unique opportunities for archaeological research and historical preservation.

• Which college is a better fit for me?

  The best college for you depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are looking for a traditional New England college town experience with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and a wide range of extracurricular activities, Connecticut College might be a good fit. If you prefer a more rural and historically rich setting with a focus on public policy, history, and the environment, and a more affordable tuition (especially if you are a Maryland resident), St. Mary's College of Maryland could be a better choice. Visiting both campuses and talking to current students is highly recommended to help you make your decision.