Overview
Hope College's Broad Liberal Arts Curriculum Helps Students Prepare for Successful Futures
With a liberal arts curriculum designed to enhance both intellectual and personal development, Hope College strives to prepare students for rewarding careers and meaningful involvement in the world. Students acquire academic depth through concentrated work in a major field, and academic breadth is gained through the general education curriculum, which exposes students to a broad range of academic fields and ideas.
Each of Hope's academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and education places a strong emphasis on career preparation and offers students access to a wide range of professional internship opportunities. Hope students complete internships in Holland and nearby cities like Grand Rapids, as well as in large urban centers such as Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. With more than 1,800 internships available, students are assured of finding positions that fit their career goals.
The Experienced Faculty at Hope College Are Selected for their Enthusiasm about Teaching
Faculty members in all of Hope's academic divisions are experienced individuals, many of whom have been recognized for excellence in both teaching and scholarship. Many of Hope College's faculty conduct research, write books and articles, and speak at conferences and association meetings.
Additionally, Hope professors are committed to being teachers. They're scholars who have chosen to work at Hope because they enjoy working with students. Their friendliness and accessibility enhance the reputation Hope has for a strong academic advising program.
Students Feel at Home at Hope with Student Organizations and Recreational Opportunities
Hope College is committed to helping students feel at home. Although dedicated to academic success, Hope also helps students strive to make the most of every aspect of college life, including forging lifelong friendships with fellow students.
Hope's social activities program was ranked first in the Midwest by the Mid America Region of the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA). Outside of the classroom, students take part in a multitude of organizations, activities, and extracurricular pursuits, including NCAA Division III varsity and intramural athletics, theatre, music, dance, and community service.
On a typical weekend, 80 to 90 percent of Hope students stay on campus, a testament to the many opportunities campus life provides.
Hope College Students Expand their Horizons by Participating in One of 200 Study Abroad Programs
Hope College is also a place many students feel led to broaden their horizons by studying overseas for a semester or year. With more than 200 programs in 60 countries, students have a unique opportunity to travel the world, expand their worldviews, and experience other cultures to the fullest. According to the latest "Open Doors" report, Hope ranks 25th nationally in the number of students who studied overseas.
Among the exotic locations Hope students can choose to visit through the school's programs are Japan, Uganda, Chile, Mexico, France, England, and Australia. Hope College understands that there are integral parts of the college experience that go beyond the classroom, including expanding horizons; growing personally; meeting new people; and experiencing new ideas, opinions, and cultures. By organizing a broad variety of study abroad programs, Hope helps its students attain these goals.
Hope Cultivates a Community of Bright Minds by Giving Generous Merit-based Financial Aid
Hope College works to keep tuition costs and fees reasonable. Even so, approximately 59 percent of Hope's students qualify for need-based aid. Types of aid available at Hope include academic scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment.
Additionally, Hope sponsors National Merit Scholars with a tuition scholarship. Other academic awards indicate that Hope is committed to helping talented, motivated students. Talent awards are also available in the fine arts and creative writing. A large percentage of Hope students receive merit-based awards.
Students Are Encouraged and Supported in the Examination and Development of Faith
Hope encourages the development of the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Students are supported throughout their years at Hope by Christian faculty members, administrators, and students. This support system engages students and encourages them to examine their personal beliefs and to grow in their faith, while always giving them the freedom and space to make their own decisions in this important aspect of life. Opportunities abound to get involved in small group Bible studies, mission trips, religious and service organizations, and worship.
Holland, Michigan, Has a Long History, a College Town Size, and Proximity to Big Cities
Hope College's 120-acre campus is in a residential area one block from a multiple award-winning downtown that has excellent relations with the college. Holland, Michigan, is a community founded by Dutch settlers with a population of 35,000 within city limits and a total area population of 95,000. The town is only a 30-minute drive from Grand Rapids and a 2-hour drive from Chicago and Detroit. Holland has long been known as a summer resort area, but it is also a fine spot for winter sports.
