<p>I really love the atmosphere at Mount Holyoke. The people seem amazing, I've heard incredible things about the professors, and I've been awarded the 21st Century Scholarship ($25,000 a year, plus funding for a summer internship/research. It also includes participation in "select intellectual and cultural events" on and off campus). My only hesitation is the fact that most people have never heard of Mount Holyoke. Many have said that I'm "throwing away my future" by choosing a "complete no-name school" in MA over some of my other options, such as NYU, Boston College, Boston University and Colgate U). People have warned me that Mount Holyoke has severe financial issues (I haven't found any concrete evidence of this, but any comments on this issue would be appreciated) and that Mount Holyoke isn't prestigious enough to help me get into a good graduate school (I'm thinking about law school or education, specifically) or get good job placement. Oh, and I want to major in history, psychology, or gender studies, so I'd love to hear any opinions on these departments!</p>
<p>Any comments would be much appreciated, especially about the influence of prestige, as well as anything pertaining to grad school/job prospects!</p>
<p>People who are “in” on competitive college culture will know Mount Holyoke. Employers will know Mount Holyoke. At the end of the day, you’re the one spending thousands of dollars and devoting four years of your life to an institution. Pick one that YOU think feels right. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, I have heard a little about their financial issues. It seems like they’re still investing a lot in financial aid, which is great, though. Who knows how outdated this is, but apparently in 2011 the school was losing about 5 million annually (<a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/sites/default/files/iplanning/docs/mhc_prelimstrategicplan_spcfinalreport.pdf”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/sites/default/files/iplanning/docs/mhc_prelimstrategicplan_spcfinalreport.pdf</a>)</p>
<p>They answered some parent questions about that at an event we were at, saying all was well and directing folks to somewhere online for figures. I can attest they are still investing in financial aid. Also they recently built a big new dorm building (I think maybe in 2008). An article in the Boston financial journal for 2010 talk about how they had to slow down their big fundraising campaign due to the economic downturn and stock market dip, but it certainly didn’t sound very dire. Forbes gives them a financial grade of A+. Also this, from “Inside Higher Ed” 2012:
“Mount Holyoke College announced Wednesday that it would not increase tuition for the 2012-13 school year – an uncommon step, particularly for an elite college such as Mount Holyoke, which faces no shortage of demand, a strong financial position, and a large number of students who can pay the full sticker price…”
(Read more: <a href=“Mount Holyoke and a handul of other private colleges freeze tuition for next year”>Mount Holyoke and a handul of other private colleges freeze tuition for next year;
Inside Higher Ed )</p>
<p>…
In contrast, at a prospective student event at Bard the presenter implied pretty clearly that their college was broke and in very tenuous financial position…</p>
<p>English Ivy is spot on–people who matter–recruiters, grad school admissions committees, law school admissions, etc know that MHC is an excellent school. The average guy on the street doesn’t have a clue. I’m assuming that you are referring to peers when you mention people calling it a “no name” school–if you are from an area of the country other than the northeast – that probably accounts for the lack of name recognition. Most high school kids end up in colleges close to home and those are the ones with which they are familiar.</p>
<p>If money is an issue, it’s hard to beat the MHC scholarship. The award you received is impressive and will enhance your resume. Take advantage of the Five College Consortium to broaden your course selections and social life. </p>
<p>Finally–do not underestimate the value of networking assistance you can get from MHC alums. These alums are often generous with their time and very willing to mentor young graduates. </p>
<p>OP, if you’re still deliberating and the financial picture is still an issue, someone just posted a link to a new Stardard & Poors report about the fiscal health of 100 colleges. MHC rated AA- and stable. (Same as Boston College and better than BU.) So I don’t think there’s anything to worry about there! (Link is here, if interested: <a href=“Home | S&P Global Ratings”>Home | S&P Global Ratings;
<p>I am dumbfounded to hear that anyone thinks that MHC is a no-name school. On the contrary, it ranks exceedingly high on the liberal arts college scale,has a long and respected history, and is a member of the Seven Sisters, which grants you a part of a larger sisterhood that has many strong women in powerful places. If they have offered you that scholarship, you have an excellent future ahead of you at this school. Also, it is part of the 5 College Consortium, granting you access of professors, resources, and over 5000 classes a semester. all with free, trustworthy transport. MHC has an excellent reputation, and with it and the other schools in the consortium you’ll have an opportunity to truly find your direction and get stellar faculty support. The question is what YOU want from your education - do you want an urban or suburban environment? Do you want the special attention and opportunities that a small liberal arts college affords or do you want the lifestyle and graduate opportunities of a big university?Think about what would make YOU happy as a student - college isn’t just about the academic fit, but the social fit as well.</p>
<p>One has to live under a rock to have never heard of Mount Holyoke College. It was mentioned in “Dirty Dancing” as the college that the social justice oriented character “Baby” was to attend in the Fall.
Most people who have any knowledge of higher education, know all of the Seven Sisters colleges. That’s just crazy.</p>
<p>Allot of folks have never heard of MHC. So what. Most folks who live in California (the center of the universe) have only heard of our state flagship Us and Harvard, Yale, Princeton. They’ve never heard of Brown Cornell or Amherst either. For that matter, the majortiy of the USA population never graduated from college. I wouldn’t let someone else’s limited experience impact your considered choices. MHC offers a world class education. </p>