Saint Anselm College, founded in 1889 by the Benedictine monks of St. Mary's Abbey in Newark, New Jersey, is a private liberal arts college located in Goffstown, New Hampshire. The college is named after Saint Anselm of Canterbury, a prominent philosopher and theologian of the 11th century. Set on a picturesque 400-acre campus, the college offers a traditional, New England college environment with a focus on fostering a community that balances academic pursuits, personal growth, and community service.
What sets Saint Anselm College apart is its strong emphasis on a values-based education rooted in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. The college is renowned for its commitment to service and leadership, providing numerous opportunities for students to engage in community service projects and leadership development programs. Additionally, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, located on campus, is a notable feature, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in political discourse and activities, including hosting presidential candidates during the New Hampshire primary season.
Academically, Saint Anselm College offers a robust liberal arts curriculum with rigorous academic programs. The college is particularly well-regarded for its nursing program, which consistently ranks among the best in the region, thanks to its comprehensive curriculum and strong clinical partnerships. Other strong programs include business, criminal justice, and the humanities, each offering students a solid foundation and preparation for careers or further education. Faculty at Saint Anselm are known for their dedication to teaching and mentorship, often engaging students in research and experiential learning opportunities.
While Saint Anselm College has many strengths, it also faces some challenges. One ongoing concern is the relatively high cost of attendance, which can be a barrier for some prospective students. Additionally, while the college offers a range of extracurricular activities, some students feel that the social scene can be limited due to the campus's somewhat isolated location and smaller student body. The college has been working to address these issues by expanding its financial aid offerings and enhancing campus life, but they remain areas for continued improvement.
