Hampshire College vs The Evergreen State

Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College, both bastions of progressive education, offer unique learning experiences that challenge traditional academic norms. Hampshire, with its acceptance rate of 58%, boasts a diverse student body, with 44% identifying as students of color. Its popular majors include social sciences, humanities, and arts, reflecting its focus on interdisciplinary studies. The Evergreen State College, on the other hand, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 52% and a student body that is 73% white. Its strengths lie in environmental studies, social sciences, and public affairs, aligning with its commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice. While Hampshire boasts a higher graduation rate of 75%, Evergreen's 60% rate reflects its emphasis on experiential learning and individualized academic pathways. Explore the comparison table below to delve deeper into the distinctions between these two innovative institutions and find the one that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal growth goals.

	Hampshire College	The Evergreen State College
Overview
Location	Amherst, Massachusetts	Olympia, Washington
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	67.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	75.1%	99.5%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	1000 - 1200
ACT range	N/A	19 - 27
Students submitting SAT score		13.0%
Students submitting ACT score		7.0%
Total number of applicants	1,340	1,111
Total number of admissions given out	1,007	1,105
Admitted students who chose to enroll	133	234
Yield rate	13.2%	21.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$66,658	In state: $26,103 Out of state: $46,746
Average net price	$30,168	$16,155
Tuition	$51,000	In state: $7,389 Out of state: $28,032
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,520 Meal plan: $5,912	Room/dormitory: $8,547 Meal plan: $4,602
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $36,653	84.0% Average amount $9,659
Students receiving federal student loan	64.0% Average amount $4,793	42.0% Average amount $4,970
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $8,793	0.0% Average amount $21,382

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	472 Men 38.1% Women 61.9%	1,849 Men 38.9% Women 61.1%
Graduate students	N/A	267 Men 32.6% Women 67.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	30.8%
International students	6.4%	0.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,180	991
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Washington California Oregon Colorado Idaho

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts English Language and Literature Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Ethnic Studies	Liberal Arts Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service Natural Resources and Conservation Education
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Outcome
Graduation rate	62.4%	43.2%
Dropout rate	37.3%	54.5%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $19,720 Year 2: $19,829 Year 3: $23,704	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $55,770 Year 3: $61,207 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,678 Year 2: $53,984 Year 3: $58,733 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $46,321 Biological and Physical Sciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,468 Year 2: $24,730 Year 3: $30,891 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,118 Year 2: $23,558 Year 3: $26,439

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core philosophy behind Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College?

Both Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College champion a progressive, student-centered approach to education. Hampshire emphasizes self-directed learning through its 'Five College Consortium' and independent project work, culminating in a Division III project instead of traditional majors. Evergreen State College focuses on interdisciplinary studies, team-taught programs, and narrative evaluations, encouraging students to explore connections between different fields of knowledge.
How do Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College differ in their academic structure?

Hampshire College operates without traditional majors. Students design their own course of study and complete a significant independent project. Evergreen State College offers interdisciplinary programs that often combine multiple subjects, such as science, humanities, and arts. Students at Evergreen receive narrative evaluations instead of letter grades, while Hampshire uses a combination of narrative evaluations and credit/no credit grading.
What are the grading systems like at Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College?

Hampshire College primarily uses a credit/no credit system, supplemented by detailed narrative evaluations from professors. This system focuses on providing constructive feedback and assessing student progress rather than assigning numerical grades. Evergreen State College exclusively uses narrative evaluations, providing in-depth assessments of student learning, engagement, and contributions to the program.
How do the campuses and locations of Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College compare?

Hampshire College is located in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is part of the Five College Consortium (Amherst, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and UMass Amherst), offering students access to a wide range of resources and social opportunities. The Evergreen State College is situated in Olympia, Washington, with a large, wooded campus that emphasizes environmental sustainability and outdoor learning. The setting is more secluded than Hampshire's.
What kind of student typically thrives at Hampshire College versus The Evergreen State College?

Hampshire College is well-suited for highly self-motivated and independent learners who are comfortable designing their own curriculum and pursuing in-depth projects. Students who enjoy a collaborative environment and interdisciplinary learning, and who are drawn to environmental and social justice issues, often find The Evergreen State College a good fit.
What are the opportunities for research and independent study at Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College?

Both colleges provide ample opportunities for research and independent study. Hampshire College's Division III project is a capstone experience that allows students to delve deeply into a topic of their choice. Evergreen State College encourages students to engage in research within their interdisciplinary programs and offers opportunities for independent learning contracts with faculty.
How do Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College approach career preparation?

Hampshire College emphasizes experiential learning and encourages students to connect their academic work with real-world experiences through internships and projects. The Career Options Resource Center (CORC) helps students translate their unique academic experiences into marketable skills. Evergreen State College integrates career preparation into its academic programs, encouraging students to develop skills relevant to their chosen fields through internships, community engagement, and project-based learning. Narrative evaluations also help students articulate their strengths and accomplishments to potential employers.
What is the social and campus culture like at Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College?

Hampshire College has a vibrant and politically engaged student body, known for its activism and commitment to social justice. The Five College Consortium provides a diverse social scene. The Evergreen State College also has a strong emphasis on social justice and environmental awareness, fostering a close-knit community with a focus on sustainability and alternative lifestyles. The campus culture is known for its inclusivity and support for diverse perspectives.
How do the costs of attending Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College compare?

Hampshire College is a private institution, and its tuition is generally higher than that of The Evergreen State College, which is a public institution. However, both colleges offer financial aid and scholarships to help make education more accessible. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fees information on each college's website and explore available financial aid options.
What are some notable alumni from Hampshire College and The Evergreen State College?

Hampshire College boasts alumni such as Lupita Nyong'o (actress), Ken Burns (documentary filmmaker), and Joseph J. Romm (physicist and climate expert). The Evergreen State College has produced notable alumni including Lynda Barry (cartoonist and author), Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons), and Macklemore (musician).

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