Hamilton College vs St Lawrence University

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Hamilton College and St. Lawrence University?

  Hamilton College and St. Lawrence University, while both excellent liberal arts colleges in New York, differ in several key aspects. Hamilton is known for its open curriculum, allowing students to design their own course of study without core requirements. St. Lawrence, on the other hand, has a more structured curriculum with distribution requirements across various disciplines. Hamilton is generally considered slightly more selective in admissions. St. Lawrence offers a more prominent focus on study abroad opportunities, with a higher percentage of students participating in international programs. Finally, Hamilton's campus is located in Clinton, NY, while St. Lawrence is in Canton, NY, offering distinct campus environments and surrounding town experiences.

• How do the academic programs at Hamilton and St. Lawrence compare?

  Both Hamilton and St. Lawrence offer a wide range of strong liberal arts programs. Hamilton is particularly well-regarded for its programs in economics, government, and creative writing. St. Lawrence excels in environmental studies, international relations, and its unique 'Arts Collaborative' program. While both offer strong sciences, St. Lawrence has a dedicated science complex that may appeal to students specifically interested in research opportunities in the sciences. Hamilton's open curriculum allows for greater flexibility in course selection, while St. Lawrence's distribution requirements ensure a broader exposure to different academic areas.

• Which college is more selective: Hamilton or St. Lawrence?

  Hamilton College is generally considered more selective than St. Lawrence University. Hamilton typically has a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students. This means that the admissions process at Hamilton is more competitive.

• How do the campus environments and student life differ between the two colleges?

  Hamilton College, located in Clinton, NY, offers a more secluded and academically focused environment. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and strong sense of community. St. Lawrence University, situated in Canton, NY, provides a more outdoorsy and adventurous atmosphere, with greater emphasis on activities like hiking, skiing, and environmental exploration. St. Lawrence also has a reputation for a more vibrant social scene. Both colleges offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities, but the overall campus culture and student life experiences differ based on location and institutional priorities.

• What are the study abroad opportunities like at Hamilton and St. Lawrence?

  Both Hamilton and St. Lawrence offer study abroad programs, but St. Lawrence is particularly known for its extensive and well-established international programs. A higher percentage of St. Lawrence students participate in study abroad compared to Hamilton. St. Lawrence offers a wider variety of program locations and specialized programs tailored to different academic interests. While Hamilton also provides study abroad options, St. Lawrence's commitment to global education is a defining characteristic of the university.

• How do the costs of attending Hamilton and St. Lawrence compare?

  The sticker prices for Hamilton College and St. Lawrence University are generally comparable. However, the actual cost of attendance can vary significantly depending on individual financial aid packages. Both institutions offer need-based and merit-based scholarships. It's essential to compare the financial aid offers from both colleges to determine which is more affordable for your specific circumstances. Use the Net Price Calculators on each college's website to get an estimate of your potential out-of-pocket costs.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at Hamilton and St. Lawrence?

  Both Hamilton and St. Lawrence offer comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Hamilton's Career Center is known for its strong alumni network and personalized advising. St. Lawrence also has a dedicated career services office and a supportive alumni network, particularly strong in fields related to environmental studies and international affairs. Both colleges emphasize the importance of experiential learning and provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and research.

• Which college is better for students interested in the sciences?

  Both Hamilton and St. Lawrence offer strong science programs. However, St. Lawrence University has invested heavily in its science facilities, boasting a modern and well-equipped science complex. This may make St. Lawrence particularly appealing to students who are highly focused on scientific research and hands-on laboratory experiences. Hamilton also has excellent science faculty and research opportunities, but St. Lawrence's dedicated science infrastructure gives it a slight edge in this area.

• How does the open curriculum at Hamilton College differ from the curriculum at St. Lawrence University?

  Hamilton College's open curriculum is a defining feature. It allows students to choose their courses without any core or distribution requirements. This provides maximum flexibility to explore different academic areas and design a personalized course of study. St. Lawrence University, in contrast, has a more structured curriculum with distribution requirements across various disciplines, such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This ensures that students gain a broad foundation of knowledge across different fields. The choice between the two depends on your preferred learning style and whether you prefer a highly structured or more flexible academic environment.

• What type of student typically thrives at Hamilton College versus St. Lawrence University?

  Hamilton College tends to attract highly independent and self-directed students who are comfortable taking ownership of their academic journey. Students who thrive at Hamilton are often intellectually curious, enjoy rigorous academic discussions, and appreciate the freedom to explore their interests without prescribed requirements. St. Lawrence University, on the other hand, often appeals to students who value a strong sense of community, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate a more structured academic environment. Students who thrive at St. Lawrence are often collaborative, adventurous, and interested in global perspectives.