Pomona College vs. Cal Poly Pomona - what are the major differences?

Hello! I'm trying to decide between Pomona College and Cal Poly Pomona, but I'm not really sure about the key differences between these schools. Can someone give me a quick overview of the main characteristics of each school, such as size, academics, location, and campus life? Thank you!

Sure, I can help you with that! Pomona College and Cal Poly Pomona are indeed two distinct institutions, and some of the main differences between them are as follows:

Size:

1. Pomona College - It is a small liberal arts college with an enrollment of around 1,700 undergraduate students.

2. Cal Poly Pomona - It is a larger public university with over 25,000 undergraduate students enrolled.

Academics:

1. Pomona College - As a liberal arts college, Pomona emphasizes a well-rounded education across various disciplines. It is a part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, allowing students to take classes from any of the five undergraduate colleges in the group. Pomona is known for its strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

2. Cal Poly Pomona - It is a public polytechnic university focused on applied learning. It is part of the California State University system. The school places emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, along with disciplines like business and hospitality management.

Location:

1. Pomona College - Located in Claremont, California, a small suburban area approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. The campus is surrounded by tree-lined streets and beautiful historic buildings.

2. Cal Poly Pomona - Situated in Pomona, California, roughly 30 miles east of Los Angeles. The campus is on the urban/suburban border and covers more than 1,400 acres, providing numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.

Campus Life:

1. Pomona College - It has a tight-knit and diverse community, which fosters close relationships between students and faculty. Campus life includes various clubs, organizations, and competitive sports (NCAA Division III). The residential experience is an essential aspect of life at Pomona, with almost all students living on campus.

2. Cal Poly Pomona - The campus has a more commuter-based environment, with a large percentage of students living off-campus. However, there are still numerous clubs and organizations, Greek life, and competitive sports (NCAA Division II) for students to participate in. The campus offers a variety of resources and support services catering to its large and diverse student body.

In summary, the choice between Pomona College and Cal Poly Pomona largely depends on your preferences in terms of size, academic focus, campus environment, and location. Pomona College offers a more intimate, liberal arts experience with a holistic approach to education, while Cal Poly Pomona emphasizes applied learning in STEM and professional fields within a larger, more diverse environment.