In this article, we will compare two prestigious liberal arts institutions: Wofford College and Randolph-Macon College. We will evaluate these schools based on various factors, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive comparison will help prospective students and their families make an informed decision about which college best suits their needs and aspirations.
Wofford College Overview
Wofford College, established in 1854, is a private liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With a strong focus on undergraduate education, Wofford offers over 60 academic programs and has an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students. The college prides itself on its commitment to excellence, diversity, and community engagement.
Wofford College Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Wofford College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $63,885, which includes tuition, fees, and room and board expenses. The college offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 98% of Wofford students receive some form of financial aid.
Wofford College Admissions
Admission to Wofford College is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 64%. The college requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1160 to 1320, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 25 to 30.
Wofford College Degrees Offered
Wofford College offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in over 60 academic programs, including majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Some popular majors include business administration, biology, psychology, English, and history.
Wofford College Academics
Wofford College is dedicated to providing a rigorous academic experience, with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 15 students. The college emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing students for a wide range of careers and graduate study opportunities. Wofford also offers various study abroad and research opportunities throughout the academic year.
Wofford College Diversity
Wofford College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college offers various programs and initiatives to promote diversity, including the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, various multicultural student organizations, and scholarships specifically designed for underrepresented students.
Wofford College Students
Wofford College has a vibrant and engaged student body, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities. The college offers over 100 clubs and organizations, including academic and professional organizations, service groups, and social clubs. Wofford also has a strong athletics program, competing in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference.
Wofford College Campus
Wofford College’s campus spans 175 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture, including the beautiful Roger Milliken Science Center and the state-of-the-art Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium. The college provides on-campus housing options for all students, with a variety of residence halls, apartments, and theme houses available.
Wofford College Alumni
Wofford College boasts a strong alumni network of over 14,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Notable alumni include former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former NFL player Jerry Richardson, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Thomas Powers.
Wofford College Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Wofford College ranks #72 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, #33 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #37 in Best Value Schools for 2021.
Wofford College Outcomes
Wofford College has a strong record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 77% and a six-year graduation rate of 81%. Additionally, 99% of graduates are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation.
Randolph-Macon Overview
Randolph-Macon College, founded in 1830, is a private liberal arts college located in Ashland, Virginia. The college offers over 50 academic programs and has an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students. Randolph-Macon is known for its emphasis on undergraduate research, close-knit community, and strong alumni network.
Randolph-Macon Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance at Randolph-Macon College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $57,610, which includes tuition, fees, and room and board expenses. The college offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 99% of Randolph-Macon students receive some form of financial aid.
Randolph-Macon Admissions
Admission to Randolph-Macon College is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 78%. The college requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1080 to 1250, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 22 to 28.
Randolph-Macon Degrees Offered
Randolph-Macon College offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in over 50 academic programs, including majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Some popular majors include business administration, biology, psychology, English, and history.
Randolph-Macon Academics
Randolph-Macon College is dedicated to providing a challenging academic environment, with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 16 students. The college emphasizes close collaboration between students and faculty, with numerous opportunities for undergraduate research and experiential learning. Randolph-Macon also offers study abroad and internship programs to enrich students’ academic experiences.
Randolph-Macon Diversity
Randolph-Macon College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus. The college offers various programs and initiatives to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Multicultural Affairs, various multicultural student organizations, and scholarships specifically designed for minority students.
Randolph-Macon Students
Randolph-Macon College has an active and engaged student body, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities. The college offers over 100 clubs and organizations, including academic and professional organizations, service groups, and social clubs. Randolph-Macon also has a strong athletics program, competing in the NCAA Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
Randolph-Macon Campus
Randolph-Macon College’s campus covers 116 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture, including the beautiful Brock Commons and the state-of-the-art McGraw-Page Library. The college provides on-campus housing options for all students, with a variety of residence halls, apartments, and theme houses available.
Randolph-Macon Alumni
Randolph-Macon College boasts a strong alumni network of over 10,000 graduates, many of whom have achieved success in various fields. Notable alumni include former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator George Allen, former NFL player Mike Dulaney, and award-winning author and journalist Beth Macy.
Randolph-Macon Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Randolph-Macon College ranks #135 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, #43 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #54 in Best Value Schools for 2021.
Randolph-Macon Outcomes
Randolph-Macon College has a solid record of student success, with a four-year graduation rate of 64% and a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Additionally, 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing graduate studies within one year of graduation.
Wofford College vs Randolph-Macon Cost Comparison
While both Wofford College and Randolph-Macon College offer various financial aid options, there is a notable difference in the estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year. The total cost at Wofford College is $63,885, while at Randolph-Macon College, it is $57,610. This difference of $6,275 per year may be significant for some students and their families.
Wofford College vs Randolph-Macon Admissions Difficulty
Admission to Wofford College is more competitive than Randolph-Macon College, with an acceptance rate of 64% compared to 78%. Additionally, Wofford College has higher average standardized test scores for admitted students, with the middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1160 to 1320 and ACT scores from 25 to 30. In contrast, the middle 50% SAT scores at Randolph-Macon range from 1080 to 1250, and ACT scores from 22 to 28.
Wofford College vs Randolph-Macon Academic Difficulty
Both Wofford College and Randolph-Macon College provide a challenging academic environment, with similar student-faculty ratios (11:1) and average class sizes (15 at Wofford and 16 at Randolph-Macon). However, Wofford College ranks higher in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Undergraduate Teaching” category, indicating a potentially stronger commitment to teaching excellence.
Wofford College vs Randolph-Macon Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, Wofford College has a higher four-year graduation rate (77%) compared to Randolph-Macon College (64%). Wofford College also has a higher six-year graduation rate (81%) compared to Randolph-Macon (68%). Additionally, a higher percentage of Wofford College graduates are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation (99%) compared to Randolph-Macon graduates within one year of graduation (95%).
