Pomona College vs Johns Hopkins

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Pomona College and Johns Hopkins University?

  Pomona College is a small, highly selective liberal arts college focused on undergraduate education. It emphasizes close student-faculty interaction and a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum. Johns Hopkins University, on the other hand, is a large research university with a strong emphasis on graduate programs and research across various fields, including medicine, engineering, and international studies. While Johns Hopkins also has a strong undergraduate program, research opportunities are more readily available and integrated into the undergraduate experience.

• Which school is better for students interested in a liberal arts education?

  Pomona College is generally considered the stronger choice for students seeking a purely liberal arts education. Its curriculum is specifically designed to foster critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad understanding of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. While Johns Hopkins offers liberal arts programs, its primary focus is on research and professional training, which may appeal less to students seeking a traditional liberal arts experience.

• Which school is better for students interested in STEM fields?

  Both Pomona College and Johns Hopkins University offer excellent STEM programs. However, Johns Hopkins is particularly renowned for its strengths in biomedical engineering, medicine, and public health. It provides extensive research opportunities for undergraduates in these areas. Pomona College also has strong STEM programs, particularly in the natural sciences, and offers opportunities for research through its own facilities and collaborations with other Claremont Colleges.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  Pomona College offers a close-knit, residential campus environment in Claremont, California, a small college town. Students benefit from a strong sense of community and easy access to faculty. Johns Hopkins University's main campus is located in Baltimore, Maryland, a larger city. The campus environment is more diverse and offers a wider range of cultural and social opportunities, but it may feel less intimate than Pomona's.

• What are the class sizes and student-faculty ratios like at each school?

  Pomona College boasts a very low student-faculty ratio, typically around 8:1, and small class sizes, often with fewer than 20 students. This allows for personalized attention and close interaction with professors. Johns Hopkins University has a higher student-faculty ratio, around 7:1, but class sizes can vary significantly, especially in introductory courses. However, upper-level courses and research opportunities often provide more individualized attention.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Pomona College and Johns Hopkins University is high, but both institutions offer generous financial aid packages. The actual cost for students will depend on their individual financial circumstances. It's important to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) at each school to determine which is more affordable.

• What are the career prospects like for graduates of each school?

  Graduates from both Pomona College and Johns Hopkins University enjoy excellent career prospects. Pomona College graduates are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including business, law, education, and the arts. Johns Hopkins University graduates are highly sought after in fields such as medicine, engineering, research, and international affairs. The specific career paths will depend on the student's major and interests.

• What is the social scene like at each school?

  Pomona College has a vibrant social scene centered around its residential campus and the five Claremont Colleges. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, organizations, and social events. Johns Hopkins University offers a more diverse social scene, with opportunities to explore the city of Baltimore and participate in a wide range of activities both on and off campus. The social scene at Johns Hopkins is also influenced by its large graduate student population.

• Which school is more selective?

  Both Pomona College and Johns Hopkins University are highly selective institutions. Their acceptance rates are very competitive, and both schools seek students with strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. The specific acceptance rates may vary from year to year, so it's best to check the latest data from each school.

• What are the research opportunities like at each school?

  Johns Hopkins University is a research powerhouse, offering extensive research opportunities for undergraduates in a wide range of fields. Students can participate in research projects with leading faculty members and access state-of-the-art facilities. Pomona College also offers research opportunities, particularly in the natural sciences, through its own facilities and collaborations with other Claremont Colleges. While the scale of research may be smaller at Pomona, undergraduates often have more direct involvement in research projects.