Assumption University (AC)

Established in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, Assumption University is a Catholic coeducational institution known for its classic liberal arts curriculum and strong academic programs.

Assumption University is a place of big ideas and generous hearts, people who inspire you to grow as a student and as a human being. The educational experience is grounded in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition, which cultivates both the intellect and the personal values that 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.

At Assumption, 85 percent of our 2,000 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.

Hound Nation "is like no other" in terms of community and manners, and everyone is "courteous and [will] hold doors open or lend you a calculator in class if your forgot yours." According to their peers, students tend to be "generally middle-class Caucasians [who] are heterosexual" and the school has "a very conservative feel." While the school itself is described as "very Catholic," students qualify this as meaning that most undergraduates "come from Catholic upbringings or have attended Catholic school but are not necessarily religious." The biggest separation between students seems to be whether they're athletes or not, but even in this case, everyone remains "generally happy" and "very sociable and approachable," with no airs put on. In short, people here "genuinely care about each other and it makes for a wonderful experience."

Students love their "beautiful, diverse, and secured campus," and 85% of attendees choose to remain on their picture-perfect campus thanks to a four-year housing guarantee. Assumption has "a tight-knit, faith-based community where everyone is part of a family" and students feel that "there is a great sense of belonging" that makes it "easy to meet new people," especially for those who are "very invested in academics, sports, extracurriculars, and social experiences." The town of Worcester, Massachusetts, is a New England college hub, so there is "always something to do if you want to get off campus" or want to socially mix with students at other nearby schools. This may actually be too true in some cases where students note that as the Thursday weekend rolls around, the on-campus scene gets quiet, with many of the older students heading off-campus, because Assumption is "strict as far as drinking goes." That said, students describe local activities "like Bingo Nights, movie nights, trivia, [and] Family Feud" as being "really fun."