Saint Michael's College vs Saint Anselm College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Saint Michael's College and Saint Anselm College?

  Saint Michael's College, located in Colchester, Vermont, is a Catholic liberal arts college in the Edmundite tradition, emphasizing social justice and service. Saint Anselm College, situated in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a Benedictine liberal arts college known for its strong humanities core and pre-professional programs. While both are Catholic institutions, Saint Michael's has a stronger emphasis on social justice, while Saint Anselm is known for its rigorous academics and strong alumni network.

• How do the academic programs compare between the two colleges?

  Both Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm offer a wide range of undergraduate programs. Saint Anselm is particularly strong in nursing, business, and the humanities, especially politics and history. Saint Michael's excels in environmental studies, media studies, and education, alongside traditional liberal arts disciplines. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which college aligns best with your goals.

• What is the campus environment like at Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm?

  Saint Michael's College boasts a more relaxed and outdoorsy atmosphere, given its location in Vermont. Students often engage in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and snowboarding. Saint Anselm, while also offering outdoor opportunities, has a more traditional New England college feel with a focus on campus traditions and a strong sense of community fostered by the Benedictine monks. Both campuses are beautiful and offer a welcoming environment, but the overall vibe differs slightly.

• How do the costs of attending Saint Michael's College and Saint Anselm College compare?

  The cost of attendance at both Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm is comparable, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the actual cost can vary significantly based on financial aid packages and merit-based scholarships. It's crucial to compare the financial aid offers from both institutions to determine which is more affordable for your family. Visit their respective financial aid websites for detailed information and net price calculators.

• What are the athletic opportunities at Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm?

  Both Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm compete in NCAA Division II athletics. Saint Anselm is part of the Northeast-10 Conference, known for its competitive programs, particularly in hockey and basketball. Saint Michael's also competes in the Northeast-10 Conference and offers a variety of varsity and club sports. If you're a student-athlete, research the specific programs and coaching styles at each college to see which best suits your athletic aspirations.

• What is the location like for each college, and how does it impact student life?

  Saint Michael's College is located in Colchester, Vermont, a suburb of Burlington. This provides students with access to a vibrant city with a thriving arts and music scene, as well as outdoor recreational opportunities in the Green Mountains. Saint Anselm College is located in Manchester, New Hampshire, a larger city offering a mix of urban amenities and access to the White Mountains. Manchester provides internship and job opportunities, while still maintaining a close-knit campus feel. The location of each college significantly influences the types of extracurricular activities and internship opportunities available to students.

• How do the religious affiliations of Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm impact student life?

  Both Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm are Catholic colleges, but their religious traditions manifest differently. Saint Michael's, founded by the Society of Saint Edmund, emphasizes social justice and service learning. Saint Anselm, guided by the Benedictine monks, focuses on community, hospitality, and intellectual inquiry. While both welcome students of all faiths, the Catholic identity is woven into the fabric of campus life through religious services, ethical discussions, and community outreach programs. Saint Anselm has a more visible Benedictine presence on campus.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm?

  Both Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm offer comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, internship assistance, and job placement support. Saint Anselm boasts a strong and active alumni network, particularly in the New England region, which can be beneficial for networking and career opportunities. Saint Michael's also has a dedicated alumni network that supports students and graduates. Research the specific career resources and alumni connections in your field of interest at each college.

• What is the student-faculty ratio at each college, and how does it affect the learning environment?

  Both Saint Michael's and Saint Anselm pride themselves on small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio, fostering a close-knit learning environment. This allows for more personalized attention from professors and greater opportunities for student-faculty interaction. You can expect a more intimate and engaging classroom experience at both institutions compared to larger universities.

• What are some unique aspects of each college that might appeal to different students?

  Saint Michael's College's emphasis on social justice and its proximity to Burlington make it appealing to students interested in activism, environmentalism, and a vibrant city life. Saint Anselm College's strong humanities core, its Benedictine tradition, and its location in Manchester attract students seeking a rigorous academic experience, a strong sense of community, and access to internship opportunities in a growing city.