Mount Holyoke College vs Scripps College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences between Mount Holyoke College and Scripps College?

  Mount Holyoke College is located in Massachusetts and is one of the original Seven Sisters colleges, known for its strong emphasis on women's leadership and a broad liberal arts curriculum. Scripps College, located in California, is also a women's college, but it distinguishes itself with a focus on interdisciplinary studies, a strong arts program, and a more intimate campus environment. Scripps also benefits from its location within the Claremont Consortium, offering students access to resources and courses at other colleges.

• How do the academic programs at Mount Holyoke and Scripps compare?

  Both colleges offer rigorous liberal arts educations. Mount Holyoke provides a wider range of majors and a more traditional curriculum structure. Scripps emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and encourages students to explore connections between different fields. Scripps students also have the option to take courses at the other Claremont Colleges, expanding their academic choices. Mount Holyoke students can cross-register at other Five College Consortium schools (Amherst, Hampshire, and Smith Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst).

• What is the campus environment like at Mount Holyoke and Scripps?

  Mount Holyoke boasts a beautiful, historic campus with a strong sense of community and tradition. It has a more expansive feel, with a larger student body. Scripps offers a smaller, more intimate campus with stunning architecture and a focus on the arts. The Claremont Colleges' shared resources provide a broader social and cultural experience for Scripps students.

• How does the cost of attendance compare between Mount Holyoke and Scripps?

  The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Mount Holyoke and Scripps. Both colleges offer financial aid and scholarships to help make education accessible. It's recommended to check the specific net price calculators on each college's website to get a personalized estimate based on your family's financial situation.

• What are the opportunities for extracurricular activities at Mount Holyoke and Scripps?

  Both colleges offer a wide array of extracurricular activities. Mount Holyoke has a robust selection of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams, including NCAA Division III sports. Scripps, as part of the Claremont Consortium, provides access to a broader range of activities, including those offered at the other colleges. Students at Scripps can participate in clubs, organizations, and athletic programs at any of the Claremont Colleges. Both colleges have strong arts programs, student government, and community service opportunities.

• What is the social life like at Mount Holyoke and Scripps?

  Mount Holyoke has a vibrant social scene with on-campus events, traditions, and access to the Five College Consortium's social opportunities. Scripps offers a more intimate social environment, with a strong sense of community within the college. The Claremont Consortium provides a wider range of social events and opportunities, including parties, concerts, and cultural events, allowing students to interact with a larger and more diverse student population.

• How do the career services at Mount Holyoke and Scripps differ?

  Both colleges provide comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. Mount Holyoke's career services often leverage its strong alumnae network. Scripps' career services benefit from its location in Southern California and the resources of the Claremont Colleges, offering access to a wider range of career opportunities and networking events.

• Which college is better for someone interested in the arts?

  Scripps College is generally considered to have a particularly strong emphasis on the arts, with a dedicated arts program, beautiful campus architecture, and close proximity to the arts scene in Southern California. Mount Holyoke also has a strong arts program, but Scripps' focus is more pronounced.

• Which college is better for someone seeking a more traditional liberal arts experience?

  Mount Holyoke College offers a more traditional liberal arts experience with a broader range of majors and a longer history as a women's college. While Scripps also provides a strong liberal arts education, its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and its connection to the Claremont Colleges offer a slightly different approach.

• How does the location of Mount Holyoke and Scripps impact the student experience?

  Mount Holyoke's location in Massachusetts provides access to the cultural and intellectual resources of the Five College Consortium and the broader New England region. Scripps' location in Southern California offers access to a vibrant arts scene, diverse cultural experiences, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The Claremont Colleges' proximity to Los Angeles also provides access to internships and career opportunities.