Hampshire College

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Hampshire College creates long lasting opportunities for students by helping them build strong foundations and core skills that are indispensable in the work world. Being dedicated to education and the incorporation of liberal arts into daily life and interactions, Hampshire College offers students a customized style of coursework. Students can appreciate the freedom to build their own program to incorporate various areas of interests that can be incorporated into the professional training they need to compete in the workforce. Faculty members maintain close relationship with students, assisting them in choosing the more relevant courses and activities to enhance their college experience.

To ensure students have all the resources they should ever need to advance their studies, Hampshire College offers students access to the Five College consortium, a program that gives students access to over 5,000 classes offered each year without incurring additional tuition fees. This school encourages students to optimize their college experience far beyond their studies by offering daily activities and routine events to showcase talent, accomplishments an encouragement amongst the students.

School History

Hampshire College is the direct result of one committee of educators that believed in the same core values and shared the same views on liberal arts education. Founded in 1958, the school was developed by the presidents of four local colleges – Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Smith College and the University of Michigan. These educators agreed that students would benefit from an education based on the liberal arts and multidisciplinary learning styles. Since then, Hampshire College has provided students with a solid foundation needed to exercise critical thinking when faced with the fierce competition of the life post-graduation.

Hampshire College enrolled its first students in 1970.

The goal of the college was to encourage students to indulge in their curiosity and stimulate their minds whenever possible. These values are still shown in the current curriculum, atmosphere and support system found within the campus grounds and classrooms. Once called “The New College Plan,” the ideas of the founding fathers are implemented in the now updated catalog of over 40 majors and advanced study programs. It remains the mission of Hampshire College to provide a solid atmosphere that enables students to knowledge, confidence and skills to be model, successful citizens in a competitive world.

Campus Life

The campus grounds at Hampshire College are filled with social life and activity as students work together to hold performances, fundraisers, rallies and sports games throughout the 800 acre campus grounds. Many students enjoy spending time in the library, bookstore or dining halls that offer plenty of space to socialize and find some privacy to study nearby. The majority of activities and organizations held on campus are 100% student ran an organized. This helps them to develop various skills and responsibilities that will be vital to their future. All activities are designed to stimulate student intellect as well as build inter-communication skills.

The campus is situated on 800 acres of rich farmland that has since been redeveloped with plenty of residence halls, student facilities, theatres and classrooms – providing an independent living community outside of the city. On campus, students will find a wide array of amenities such as dinning services, groups and centers that they can utilize whenever needed. Most activity centers are open early in the morning and late into the night to accommodate any class schedule. Hampshire College encourage students to take part in the political offerings on campus as well such as the Student Government and Mentorship Programs.

First year students who live on campus generally reside in one of the two residence halls designated to help students get accustomed to dorming. These halls traditionally house approximately 300 freshman students, as well as on call faculty and staff members designated to each hall. Second, third and fourth year students have the option to dorm in the Mod apartments located on campus which are fully equipped with living room, kitchen and bedrooms that students can share.

Financial Aid

Hampshire College dedicates over 30 million dollars each year to assisting students with financial aid needs. On staff faculty and staff members are available throughout the calendar year and the summer sessions to assist students with researching, applying to and qualifying for various aid available. This school accepts all government loans, grants and scholarships, as well as offers students a variety of merit awards to help alleviate the cost of tuition. Hampshire College prides itself on offering students a strong private education that can be more cost effective than some public school options.

Students at Hampshire College have the option to apply for financial aid or enter various work study programs that are available. Positions are held both on and off campus for students looking to get a head start in the work world while attending classes. Although many internship programs are available through the Career Services programs, Hampshire College has a high success rate for students hired directly from internships before graduation.

Rankings

2017 College Rankings