MHC, as a member of the Seven Sisters, is NOT relatively unknown. Quite the opposite–I feel the MHC diploma has opened doors for D.
@hannahb26 - my D was also choosing between our states flagship school and MHC- yes- there is a cost difference- the way we see it you pay a premium for a premium product and that is what we feel MHC is. Our state flagship is very well known- mostly because of football/ sports. It has name recognition where as the average person I speak to has not heard of MHC or does not know where it is located. However, when I speak to people in education they all know and respect MHC. My D is looking to go beyond her bachelors degree. We are confident that MHC and the smaller more supportive environment is the best fit for her. She is a stem major who also loves to write and the arts. The liberal arts education is much more than just a degree, it broadens your world view and experience while educating you. I have also spoken to admissions officers at some of the grad schools- they all know what MHC is and the quality of education it provides.
@hannahb26 You should never go in to extensive debt for undergrad. If both options are affordable, it’s a different story. Though most people on the street outside of New England won’t know Mt. Holyoke off the top of their head, it is known by graduate schools and employers. And the alumnae network is very strong, especially in New England but throughout the whole country. You also have access to the extended Seven Sisters network.
What they’re saying is absolutely true. High schoolers haven’t heard of it nearly as much as the big schools, but top-notch employers and grad schools absolutely have, and they respect it.