Monmouth College vs Kenyon College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Monmouth College and Kenyon College?

  Monmouth College is a private, residential liberal arts college located in Monmouth, Illinois, with a strong focus on pre-professional programs and a close-knit community. Kenyon College, located in Gambier, Ohio, is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its strong humanities programs, particularly English and creative writing, and its beautiful, historic campus. Kenyon generally has a larger endowment and attracts a more geographically diverse student body.

• How do the academic programs at Monmouth and Kenyon compare?

  Both colleges offer a broad range of liberal arts programs. Kenyon is particularly renowned for its English, creative writing, and history departments. Monmouth offers strong pre-professional programs like business, accounting, and education, alongside its liberal arts offerings. While both emphasize undergraduate education, Kenyon's reputation often places it among the top liberal arts colleges nationally, attracting students with a strong interest in research and advanced study in the humanities.

• What is the typical student life like at each college?

  Monmouth College fosters a close-knit, supportive community with a strong emphasis on student involvement in campus activities and organizations. Kenyon also has a vibrant campus life, but with a larger student body, there are more diverse social options. Kenyon's location in a small village provides a more secluded, campus-centric experience, while Monmouth's location in a small town offers more opportunities for interaction with the local community.

• How do the campus settings differ between Monmouth and Kenyon?

  Monmouth College is located in a small town in rural Illinois, providing a traditional Midwestern college experience. Kenyon College boasts a stunning, historic campus in Gambier, Ohio, often considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Kenyon's campus is more isolated, contributing to a strong sense of community within the college itself.

• What are the admission requirements and selectivity like at Monmouth and Kenyon?

  Kenyon College is significantly more selective than Monmouth College. Kenyon seeks students with exceptional academic records, strong standardized test scores (though many students apply test-optional), and demonstrated leadership and extracurricular involvement. Monmouth College has a more holistic admission process, considering a wider range of factors, including academic potential, personal qualities, and commitment to the college community. Successful applicants to Kenyon typically have higher GPAs and standardized test scores than those admitted to Monmouth.

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

  Both Monmouth and Kenyon are private institutions, so the cost of attendance is significant. Kenyon generally has a higher sticker price. Both colleges offer financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The actual cost of attendance will vary depending on a student's individual financial circumstances and the aid package they receive. It's important to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) at both institutions to determine which is more affordable.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at Monmouth and Kenyon?

  Both colleges offer career services to help students with internships, job searching, and career planning. Kenyon's alumni network is generally larger and more geographically diverse, potentially offering more opportunities for networking and career advancement. Monmouth's alumni network is strong within the Midwest and particularly supportive of current students. Both colleges emphasize the importance of career preparation and provide resources to help students succeed after graduation.

• Which college is better for students interested in specific fields of study?

  If you're passionate about English, creative writing, or history, Kenyon College is a strong choice due to its nationally recognized programs in these areas. If you're interested in pre-professional programs like business, accounting, or education, Monmouth College offers strong preparation and internship opportunities. Both colleges provide a solid foundation in the liberal arts, so your choice should depend on your specific academic interests and career goals.

• What are the similarities between Monmouth College and Kenyon College?

  Both Monmouth and Kenyon are private, residential liberal arts colleges committed to providing a well-rounded education. They both emphasize small class sizes, close interaction with faculty, and a strong sense of community. Both colleges aim to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills in their students, preparing them for success in a variety of fields.

• How does the size of the student body compare between Monmouth and Kenyon?

  Kenyon College has a larger student body than Monmouth College. Kenyon typically enrolls around 1,700 students, while Monmouth College enrolls around 1,100. This difference in size can impact the overall campus atmosphere and the availability of certain resources and opportunities.