Hamilton College vs Pitzer College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences in academic focus between Hamilton College and Pitzer College?

  Hamilton College emphasizes a traditional liberal arts education with a strong focus on open curriculum and writing. Pitzer College, as part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, offers a more interdisciplinary and socially conscious approach, encouraging students to connect their studies to real-world issues. Pitzer also requires students to complete a social responsibility requirement.

• How do the campus environments and locations compare?

  Hamilton College is located in a rural setting in Clinton, New York, offering a close-knit community and a focus on campus life. Pitzer College is situated in Claremont, California, a suburban environment that provides access to the resources of the Claremont Colleges consortium and the cultural opportunities of Southern California.

• What are the differences in student body size and demographics?

  Hamilton College has a smaller student body, typically around 1,850 undergraduates, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Pitzer College has a slightly larger student body, around 1,200 undergraduates, and is known for its diverse student population and commitment to social justice.

• How do the open curriculum options differ between Hamilton and Pitzer?

  Hamilton College is known for its completely open curriculum, meaning there are no core requirements. Students have the freedom to choose courses based on their interests. Pitzer College has a more structured curriculum with core requirements, including a social responsibility requirement, but still offers flexibility in course selection within its interdisciplinary framework.

• What are the strengths of each college in terms of specific academic programs?

  Hamilton College is particularly strong in its writing program, economics, and government. Pitzer College excels in social sciences, particularly political studies, environmental analysis, and media studies, leveraging its interdisciplinary approach and connection to the other Claremont Colleges.

• How do the social scenes differ at Hamilton and Pitzer?

  Hamilton College's social scene is centered around campus life, with a strong emphasis on student organizations, athletics, and residential life. Pitzer College benefits from the social opportunities available through the Claremont Colleges consortium, offering a wider range of activities and events, as well as access to the vibrant Southern California scene.

• What is the cost of attendance and financial aid like at each college?

  Both Hamilton College and Pitzer College are private institutions with similar costs of attendance. Both colleges offer need-based financial aid packages to eligible students. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites to get personalized estimates based on your family's financial situation.

• How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

  Both Hamilton College and Pitzer College offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Pitzer College's location in Southern California provides access to a wider range of internship opportunities in various industries, while Hamilton College leverages its alumni network and strong liberal arts foundation to connect students with opportunities across the country.

• What are the similarities between Hamilton College and Pitzer College?

  Both Hamilton College and Pitzer College are highly selective liberal arts colleges that prioritize small class sizes, close relationships between students and faculty, and a commitment to intellectual inquiry. They both aim to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a variety of fields.

• How does the advising system work at each college?

  Both Hamilton and Pitzer offer robust advising systems. At Hamilton, students are assigned an academic advisor upon arrival and can seek guidance from faculty in their areas of interest. Pitzer also provides academic advisors and encourages students to utilize the resources available across the Claremont Colleges for specialized advising and mentorship.