Saint Anselm College
The Vibe Check
Saint Anselm College feels like a close-knit, traditional liberal arts community where students are genuinely known by their professors and peers. It's a place where school spirit runs high, especially during basketball games, and the Benedictine values of hospitality and community service are woven into daily campus life. You'll find a supportive, somewhat quiet suburban atmosphere that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The college is grounded in a rigorous Great Books-based core curriculum that ensures a broad and deep liberal arts education for all students. Its academic strengths are particularly notable in Business & Marketing, Health Professions (with strong pre-health advising), and Politics (reflected in its popular Social Sciences major). Teaching is the primary focus, with small class sizes and accessible professors who mentor students closely rather than relying on teaching assistants.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Manchester
Manchester offers a manageable city experience with a growing number of restaurants, breweries, and a minor league baseball team, the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, which is a popular student outing. The city provides a good balance of urban amenities without the overwhelming size of a major metropolis, and outdoor enthusiasts can easily access hiking and skiing in nearby mountains. For nightlife, students often frequent local pubs and cafes or make the short drive to Boston for concerts and bigger city events.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($73,371):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a safe, quiet suburban neighborhood of Manchester, with well-lit paths and a visible campus security presence. While the immediate area is secure, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings as they venture into the city proper.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High-impact, mentorship-driven education with small class sizes and accessible professors.
- ✓ Strong, supportive community with high school spirit and retention rates (89.6%).
- ✓ Excellent pre-professional advising for pre-med, pre-law, and business, leading to successful outcomes.
- ✓ Beautiful, classic New England campus that provides a safe and focused learning environment.
Cons
- ✗ The suburban campus and small size may feel isolating for students craving a bustling urban environment.
- ✗ While diverse for its region, the student body is less diverse than at larger state universities.
- ✗ The cost is high, and while aid is available, the net price can still be a major investment.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Saint Anselm College is renowned for its rigorous Great Books-based liberal arts core curriculum and its strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and mentorship. It is also known for its nationally competitive Politics program, its highly regarded pre-medical and health professions tracks, and a thriving campus community centered on Benedictine values of hospitality and service. The college's New Hampshire location also gives it a distinctive reputation for political engagement and activism.
Saint Anselm College has an acceptance rate of 78.32%, making it moderately selective. While it is not as competitive as some elite institutions, it still seeks students with a strong academic record, typically with an average SAT score around 1183. Admissions decisions are holistic, considering essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations, so a demonstrated interest in the school's liberal arts mission is important.
Campus life at Saint Anselm is vibrant, close-knit, and highly involved. Students are very engaged in campus activities, with over 80% participating in athletics, student government, or one of the many clubs and service organizations. The social scene is centered on campus events, Division II sports, and exploring the nearby city of Manchester, creating a balanced experience of a residential community with access to city amenities.
For many students, Saint Anselm College offers a strong return on investment. The 10-year median earnings of $73,371 are competitive, and the high retention (89.6%) and graduation rates (84.2%) indicate strong student satisfaction and success. The value is particularly high for students who take full advantage of the mentorship, pre-professional advising, and strong alumni network to launch their careers, though the initial cost is a significant factor for families to consider.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1889
- Type Private
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 1,991
- In-State Tuition $46,810
- Zip Code 03102
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price over $46,000, the cost is significant, but the average net price of $34,744 after aid is more manageable for many families. The strong 10-year median earnings of $73,371 and a high graduation rate of 84.2% suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for students who leverage the business and health science programs for direct career paths. For students who receive institutional aid and scholarships, the value proposition becomes even more compelling.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.