Assumption College

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

School Says - General Information
Established in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, Assumption College is a coeducational institution known for its classic liberal arts curriculum and strong academic programs in business and professional studies. Our 2,113 undergraduates choose among 39 majors and 44 minors, gaining the depth and breadth of knowledge that is the foundation of lifelong success. Their educational experience is grounded in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition, which cultivates both the intellect and personal values students need to meet the demands of a constantly changing world.

Undergraduates and graduate students closely interact with faculty members and staff in a thriving community that forms graduates known for critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service.

The academic atmosphere is marked by individual attention and the quest for personal excellence. With a student/faculty ratio of just 12:1, Assumption's professors serve as mentors who challenge students to ask questions, find their own answers and grow Ââ€" intellectually, socially and spiritually. Students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience at internships and to participate in individual research projects. Ninety-seven percent of Assumption graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Located on 185 acres, the beautiful Assumption campus is situated in a residential neighborhood just minutes from downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, the second-largest city in New England. At Assumption, 90 percent of the undergraduates live on campus and housing is guaranteed for all four years. The campus is lively seven days a week with academic programming, activities sponsored by student clubs and organizations, community service opportunities, campus ministry programs and intercollegiate, intramural and club sports. The College's state-of-the-art recreation center supports the well-being of all students.

School Says - Student Body
The 2,113 undergraduates at Assumption come from 25 states and 9 foreign countries. Ninety percent of the students reside on campus and housing is guaranteed for all four years. Numerous social, athletic, recreational and cultural activities are offered on- and off- campus and make Assumption a dynamic place to live.

Assumption College has 60 clubs and organizations that seek to complement the educational process and offer opportunities for students to develop their interests and talents. Students can participate in academic/professional clubs, arts and entertainment groups, student publications, politics and student government, service projects, special interest groups, or spiritual activities. These clubs and organizations also give students opportunities to develop their leadership and team-building skills.

Assumption offers 23 intercollegiate teams, as well as 10 club and 10 intramural sports. The College is a charter member of the Northeast-10 Conference and competes as an NCAA Division II institution. The intercollegiate sports for men include: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis and track & field (indoor and outdoor). Women's sports include: basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.

Through the Student Government Association (SGA), the Campus Activities Board (CAB), and the many student clubs and organizations, Assumption College offers a wide range of co-curricular events. This includes many large-scale events, such as Family Weekend, Siblings Weekend, Welcome Week, Midnight Madness and the Spring Concert. Other more frequent events include comedians, coffeehouses, films, lectures, off-campus trips and many special events.

School Says - Academics
The College's classic liberal arts curriculum promotes the lively discussion of the books, ideas, people and events that have shaped civilization. Faculty and students explore the rich Catholic intellectual tradition as they seek Â"truthÂ" and the nature of the world. In all areas of academic study, students learn not only how to ask questions, but also how to find the answers. That is why so many classes at Assumption are discussions, not lectures, and why the faculty assign cooperative projects and frequent writing and hands-on assignments. The curriculum is designed to teach the student how to think, not simply memorize.

Assumption also offers academic programs and courses that help students achieve their full potential. The College's first-year program engages new students with linked courses from two disciplines and coordinated activities that complement classroom experiences. The same 20 students take courses in the fall and spring semesters, enabling them to make important intellectual connections while also getting to know other students. The Honors Program and the Fortin and Gonthier Foundations of Western Civilization Program encourage students to challenge themselves intellectually. Students broaden their world view and their practical experiences through study abroad and internships. Cross-registration through the Colleges of Worcester Consortium enables Assumption students to take classes at Clark, WPI and Holy Cross, among others. Air Force and Army ROTC are also available. Assumption College follows a traditional two-semester calendar, from late August to mid-May, as well as an optional January intersession. The Graduate School and the Center for Continuing and Career Education also offer two summer sessions for students.

In order to graduate, students must have 120 semester credits, with 9 to 12 in the upper division of their major. Assumption requires all students complete a course in English composition and a writing emphasis course, two courses in philosophy, two courses in theology, and three courses in two of the following three areas: mathematics, laboratory science, or foreign language. Students must complete additional courses in literature, humanities and history, three courses in social science, and one course in art, music or theater.

School Says - Admissions
Assumption College admits students who demonstrate an active intellect and self-motivation and who have compiled a solid academic record and completed all prescribed high school requirements.

The College encourages prospective students to schedule a campus visit prior to applying for admission. During the summer months, high school students are encouraged to attend group information sessions, tours and interviews Monday-Friday. In the fall semester, prospective students may attend group information sessions on Saturdays, or schedule a campus visit during the week.

To apply, students are required to submit an Assumption online or paper application (the Common and Universal Applications are accepted), a $50 application fee, official high school transcripts, and a letter of recommendation. Assumption is test-score optional, so SAT or ACT scores are not required. Applications, including all supporting documents and recommendations, must be received in the Office of Admissions by February 15. Students who want to be considered for Early Action must apply by November 15.

For more information, please contact:

Assumption College
Office of Admissions
500 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
Telephone: 866-477-7776 (toll free) or 508-767-7285
Web: www.assumption.edu
E-mail: admiss@assumption.edu

School Says - Campus Life
Worcester is a college town that is home to more than 30,000 students. Great restaurants, cultural venues and programs, retail and entertainment options, and professional sports teams offer students many off-campus activities. Worcester is also a great location for an array of internship and career opportunities. In addition, Boston and Providence are only an hour's drive away, and there is regular commuter rail service to Boston.

School Says - Cost Aid
For 2009Ââ€"10, tuition was $29,806; room and board was $10,070. The board plan is required for all first-year students. All student fees amounted to $880.This past year, Assumption awarded more than $23 million in financial assistance to students. The College offers need-based financial aid, as well as merit-based assistance. All students who apply for admission are considered for merit scholarships ranging from $2,500 - $20,000 annually and recipients are chosen based on their academic excellence and demonstrated student leadership. To qualify for need-based financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1.

Students Say - Academics
Assumption College is a Catholic school in the greater Boston area, offering liberal arts and pre-professional majors to a small student population of just more than 2,000 undergraduates. Relying on both practical instruction and academic expertise, "the professors at Assumption College are very qualified individuals whose goal is to educate students and prepare them for the future. They are not just trying to feed students information but also stimulate thought and discussion." Expectations are high, and "academics can be challenging, but are mostly manageable as long as you put in the time." Fortunately, "the size of the school allows for a large amount of personal attention," and professors, "go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure you get the best education they can offer." Undergrads admit that there are some professors whose courses are less interesting than others; however, they universally praise the faculty's commitment to its students. A freshman details, "The professors, at least 80% of the time, are excellent lecturers. There are almost no lectures, which are not accompanied by productive discussions."

Students Say - Campus Life
Assumption is a Catholic school, so "religion is prominent and there are good programs for religious students. However, if you are not religious it isn't shoved down your throat or forced on you." A largely residential cam- pus, "there is a good sense of community here, especially within the residence halls and clubs." Off-campus, in the surrounding town of Worcester, you'll find "a lot of restaurants and bars that students frequent, as well as a lot of good shopping." While freshmen cannot have cars on campus, "the school has a deal with YellowCab called 'safe ride.' As long as you have your school ID you can get a ride back to campus for $4 only after dark." Students admit, "Drinking is definitely a large part of the culture here." However, they also reassure us that "many people don't drink." For those who prefer a mellower social schedule, "bingo is a favorite activity on campus, and many students are involved in Campus Ministry." In addition, students spend time at "sporting events, comedians, open mic nights, bingo, or just hanging out in a friend's room."

Students Say - Student Body
A studious, friendly, and social group, Assumption students are generally described as "hard workers, committed, driven, and smart." Outside of their studies, "the typical student gets involved, whether it be sports, student government, academic clubs, or an on-campus job." The majority of Assumption students come from "a suburban, white, upper-middle-class background. There aren't many who deviate from this norm, but those who do manage to fit in well enough." In addition, Assumption students seem to partake in an unwritten preppy dress code. A junior chides "Assumption was once described to me as a walking J. Crew ad, which is basically true." However, students reassure us that Assumption is committed to acceptance; "If you are a minority or not into preppy clothing, you are treated the same and respected for your differences."

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