Founded in 1889, Saint Anselm College is a private, Roman Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts college located in Manchester, New Hampshire. With a picturesque 400-acre campus situated on a hilltop overlooking the city, the institution is known for its intimate learning environment that accommodates a close-knit community of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students. The college prides itself on maintaining a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, facilitating a personalized education that underscores the value of individual attention and mentorship.
Saint Anselm College stands out distinctly for its dedication to the liberal arts infused with a Benedictine tradition that emphasizes community, faith, and ethical responsibility. One of its unique offerings is the New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP), an important hub for political discourse that undeniably garners national attention during the presidential primary season. The NHIOP provides students with unparalleled opportunities for real-world political engagement, internships, and access to national and international leaders. Furthermore, Saint Anselm's Abbey Players is a renowned theatrical group on campus that not only showcases student talent but also reflects the college's rich cultural investment, offering performances that often engage with the college's spiritual and intellectual traditions.
Saint Anselm's positive impact is further exemplified through its high levels of student engagement in community service and social justice initiatives. The college promotes a Service and Solidarity Missions program that enables students to spend their breaks participating in service projects across the United States and abroad, embodying the institution's call to serve the greater good. Academically, programs such as nursing have received commendation for their excellence; the nursing program boasts high NCLEX pass rates, indicative of the thorough preparation students receive. Additionally, Saint Anselm alumni have historically shown success in their postgraduate endeavors, whether that is further education or professional careers, highlighting the efficacy of the college's educational approach.
Notwithstanding its many strengths, Saint Anselm College faces certain challenges as well. Being a small institution, the college may have limited resources in comparison to larger universities, which can affect the breadth of extracurricular activities and academic offerings. Some students may feel that the college's location in New Hampshire doesn't provide the same level of urban opportunities or diversity as a city campus would. Additionally, the tuition costs, reflective of many private colleges, can pose a financial challenge for prospective students; however, the college strives to offset this through financial aid and scholarship options. These aspects may require prospective students to weigh their priorities and needs carefully when considering Saint Anselm College as their choice for higher education.
