Pomona College vs Cornell

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Pomona College and Cornell University?

  Pomona College is a small, highly selective liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, emphasizing close student-faculty interaction and a broad-based curriculum. Cornell University, on the other hand, is a large, comprehensive research university in Ithaca, New York, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various colleges and schools. Pomona provides a more intimate and personalized learning environment, while Cornell offers greater breadth in academic disciplines and research opportunities.

• How do the academic programs at Pomona and Cornell compare?

  Pomona College focuses exclusively on undergraduate liberal arts education, with strengths in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Cornell University offers a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional schools like engineering, business, law, and medicine, in addition to its strong liberal arts offerings. If you're seeking a specialized professional degree or advanced research opportunities, Cornell might be a better fit. If you prefer a broad liberal arts foundation, Pomona is an excellent choice.

• What is the size and campus environment like at each school?

  Pomona College has a small, close-knit community with around 1,700 undergraduate students. Its campus is located in a suburban setting and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, allowing students to cross-register for courses at the other four undergraduate colleges and one graduate university. Cornell University has a large student body of over 25,000 students (undergraduate and graduate) and a sprawling campus in a more rural setting. Cornell offers a more diverse and bustling campus environment due to its size.

• How do the costs and financial aid packages compare between Pomona and Cornell?

  Both Pomona College and Cornell University are expensive institutions, but both are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of their students. While the sticker price may be similar, the actual cost you pay will depend on your family's financial situation. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, including grants and scholarships. It's best to use their respective net price calculators to estimate your individual cost of attendance.

• What are the research opportunities like at Pomona versus Cornell?

  While Pomona College offers research opportunities for undergraduates, particularly through faculty-mentored projects and summer research programs, Cornell University provides significantly more extensive research opportunities due to its status as a major research university. Cornell has numerous research labs, centers, and institutes across various disciplines, offering undergraduates the chance to participate in cutting-edge research alongside faculty and graduate students.

• What is the social life like at Pomona and Cornell?

  Pomona College offers a more intimate and collaborative social environment, fostered by its small size and residential campus. The Claremont Colleges consortium provides additional social opportunities. Cornell University has a more diverse and varied social scene, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities catering to different interests. Its larger size means there are more opportunities to find your niche, but it can also feel less personal than Pomona.

• What are the career services and alumni networks like at each school?

  Both Pomona College and Cornell University have strong career services offices that provide students with resources for internships, job searching, and career counseling. Cornell's larger alumni network can provide more extensive connections in certain industries, while Pomona's alumni network is known for being highly supportive and accessible to current students. Both schools have a strong track record of graduates finding successful careers.

• How does the location of each school impact the student experience?

  Pomona College's location in Claremont, California, offers a mild climate, access to the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and proximity to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Cornell University's location in Ithaca, New York, provides a more traditional college town experience with access to the Finger Lakes region and its natural beauty. The climate in Ithaca is more seasonal, with cold winters and warm summers. Consider which environment better suits your preferences.

• What are the key factors to consider when choosing between Pomona and Cornell?

  When deciding between Pomona College and Cornell University, consider your preferred learning environment (small and intimate vs. large and diverse), academic interests (broad liberal arts vs. specialized programs), research aspirations (undergraduate-focused vs. extensive research opportunities), social preferences (close-knit community vs. varied social scene), and location preferences (suburban California vs. rural New York). Visiting both campuses, if possible, can help you get a better feel for each school's unique atmosphere.

• Are there any specific programs or departments where one school excels over the other?

  While both are excellent institutions, Cornell is particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, hospitality management, and architecture. Pomona College is renowned for its humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. If you have a specific academic passion in one of Cornell's areas of strength, it might be a better fit. However, if you're seeking a well-rounded liberal arts education, Pomona is an excellent choice.