Pomona College vs Brown University

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key differences in academic focus between Pomona College and Brown University?

  Pomona College, as a liberal arts college, emphasizes a broad, interdisciplinary education across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Brown University, while also strong in the liberal arts, is a research university with a wider array of graduate programs and professional schools (e.g., medicine, engineering) alongside its undergraduate offerings. Brown offers more specialized research opportunities and a greater emphasis on graduate-level study.

• How do the campus environments and student bodies compare?

  Pomona College offers a close-knit, residential campus environment with a strong sense of community fostered by its small size and location within the Claremont Colleges consortium. Brown University, located in a city, has a more diverse and urban campus feel. While both attract high-achieving students, Brown's larger size results in a more varied student body in terms of backgrounds and interests. Pomona's student body is drawn from across the US and internationally, but its smaller size means a more intimate campus experience.

• What is the 'Open Curriculum' at Brown University, and how does it differ from Pomona's curriculum?

  Brown University's 'Open Curriculum' allows students to design their own course of study with no core requirements, fostering independent learning and exploration. Pomona College, while offering flexibility in course selection, has distribution requirements across different academic areas, ensuring a broader foundation in the liberal arts. Pomona's curriculum provides more structure, while Brown's offers greater freedom.

• How do research opportunities differ between Pomona College and Brown University?

  Both institutions offer research opportunities for undergraduates. Brown University, as a research university, has a larger volume of research activity and more labs and research centers, providing a wider range of research options, including those at the graduate level. Pomona College offers research opportunities through faculty-mentored projects, summer research programs, and the Claremont Colleges' joint science department, emphasizing close collaboration with professors. Brown offers more breadth, while Pomona offers more personalized research experiences.

• What are the differences in location and surrounding environment?

  Pomona College is located in Claremont, California, a suburban college town near Los Angeles, offering a quieter, more campus-focused environment with access to the resources of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, providing access to urban amenities and internship opportunities in various industries. Pomona offers a more traditional college town experience, while Brown offers an urban setting.

• How do the costs of attendance compare, and what financial aid options are available?

  The cost of attendance at both Pomona College and Brown University is high, but both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to meet demonstrated need. The specific cost and aid packages will vary based on individual family circumstances. Both schools are committed to making education accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Prospective students should carefully review the financial aid policies and net price calculators on each institution's website.

• What are the strengths of each institution in terms of specific academic departments or programs?

  Pomona College is particularly strong in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a renowned economics department and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. Brown University excels in a wider range of fields, including medicine, engineering, computer science, and public health, in addition to its strong liberal arts programs. Brown's strengths are broader due to its graduate programs, while Pomona's are focused on undergraduate liberal arts excellence.

• How does the consortium system at Pomona College affect the student experience?

  Pomona College is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which includes five undergraduate colleges (Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) and two graduate institutions. This consortium allows students to cross-register for courses at the other colleges, access shared resources like libraries and dining halls, and participate in joint extracurricular activities, effectively expanding the academic and social opportunities available to Pomona students. It provides the resources of a larger university while maintaining the intimacy of a small college.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at Pomona College and Brown University?

  Both Pomona College and Brown University have strong career services offices that provide students with resources for internships, job searching, and career counseling. Brown University's larger alumni network provides a broader range of connections across various industries. Pomona College's alumni network, while smaller, is highly engaged and supportive of current students. Both institutions have a strong track record of graduates achieving success in their chosen fields.

• What type of student thrives at Pomona College versus Brown University?

  Pomona College is a good fit for students who value a close-knit community, a broad liberal arts education, and personalized attention from faculty. Students who thrive at Pomona are often intellectually curious, collaborative, and engaged in campus life. Brown University is well-suited for students who are independent, self-directed, and eager to explore a wide range of academic interests. Students who thrive at Brown are often innovative, entrepreneurial, and comfortable in a more diverse and less structured environment.