A Guide to NESCAC Schools: Ranking, Acceptance Rates, and Comparison

What Are the NESCAC Schools?

NESCAC stands for the New England Small College Athletic Conference — an NCAA Division III athletic conference made up of 11 outstanding liberal arts colleges in the Northeastern US. Along with 7 other schools, these institutions are also known as "Little Ivies," thanks to their academic excellence and selective admissions processes.

The NESCAC member schools are:

• Amherst College (Amherst, Massachusetts)
• Bates College (Lewiston, Maine)
• Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine)
• Colby College (Waterville, Maine)
• Connecticut College (New London, Connecticut)
• Hamilton College (Clinton, New York)
• Middlebury College (Middlebury, Vermont)
• Trinity College (Hartford, Connecticut)
• Tufts University (Medford, Massachusetts)
• Wesleyan University (Middletown, Connecticut)
• Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts)

The NESCAC was founded in 1971 with the goal of balancing athletic competition and high-caliber academics. Unlike the student-athlete experience at some Division I universities, this conference maintains boundaries to keep athletics strong yet proportional to its academic mission. Many students are drawn to NESCAC schools because of the unique opportunity to compete at a high level while also pursuing their academic goals.

Overall, NESCAC universities are known for their rigorous academics, close-knit communities, and strong athletic programs. They may be a great choice if you’re looking for a well-rounded college experience.

NESCAC School Rankings: What Makes These Universities Great?

All eleven NESCAC schools have several things in common:

• They are all liberal arts colleges with a strong interdisciplinary focus.
• They all offer robust, Division III athletic programs and an appealing level of balance between sports and academics.
• They have small class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios, with lots of opportunities to work side-by-side with professors.
• They all emphasize community service and social justice.
• They all have scenic campuses with tight-knit communities.

Although all 11 NESCAC schools are reputable institutions that provide a top-tier education, there are some differences between them. Keep in mind that any rankings or analysis of NESCAC schools largely depend on personal preference and fit. Each NESCAC school offers a wonderful college experience. It's a good idea to visit the campuses, talk to current students, and reflect on what factors matter most to you in your college journey.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the NESCAC schools!

Williams College and Amherst College are typically considered to be the “top” NESCAC schools and liberal arts colleges. They are both highly selective, with acceptance rates of 7.5% and 9%, respectively. They’re both known for their rigorous academics and low student-to-faculty ratios. Amherst has an open curriculum, meaning that you aren’t limited by core curriculum requirements and can go deeper into fields that interest you. Both universities have a strong athletic culture with many teams that achieve national recognition.

As of the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Bowdoin College has one of the lowest acceptance rates of any NESCAC school. Among the reasons it ranks so high are its rigorous academics and its commitment to the common good. It’s also famous for its delicious campus dining options, including an annual lobster bake to kick off the school year and an on-campus organic garden. It has a small town feel and easy access to the coast.

Hamilton College and Wesleyan University are in the next tier, tied for 14th place. Their acceptance rates are competitive at 13% and 16%, respectively. They are among the few schools in the US that have an open curriculum. This model gives students a lot of flexibility in what they study.

Hamilton's model aligns well with its commitment to fostering critical thinking and intellectual curiosity; while Wesleyan is distinguished by strong programs in the creative arts, including music, theater, and visual arts.

Bates College and Colby College offer widely respected liberal arts studies programs. These programs tend not to be highly specialized but can foster exceptional critical thinking and communication skill and close student-faculty interactions across an interdisciplinary approach.

Both universities are also committed to social responsibility, encouraging students to participate in civic engagement and service-learning.

Bates has a very low acceptance rate of 11.5%, while Colby has the lowest acceptance rate of any NESCAC school at 6.6%.

Middlebury College is widely regarded for its immersive foreign language programs. In fact, it attracts language students from US intelligence agencies and the military.

It also has strong athletics, and its Vermont location is full of natural beauty and a great setting for outdoor activities. The college is not easy to get into, however, with an acceptance rate of 12%.

Tufts University is the largest of the NESCAC schools, with a student body of around 5,500.

Though a liberal arts college, Tufts is also known as a research university with strong programs in the biomedical sciences.

In addition, the school's International Relations program is consistently ranked among the top in the country.

Located near Boston, Tufts students have easy access to Boston’s cultural, social, and professional opportunities.

It’s no surprise that Tufts is so desirable, with an acceptance rate of just 10%.

Both Connecticut College and Trinity College are the two least selective NESCAC schools — but they are still challenging for admission!

Connecticut’s acceptance rate is 36.2%, while Trinity’s is 29%.

Both schools offer competitive sports programs.

Connecticut College has a focus on environmental sustainability and a strong commitment to the arts.

Trinity is known for its Gothic architecture and a campus that blends historical and modern elements.

While these institutions may not enjoy the national or international recognition of some of the better-known NESCAC universities, their students still enjoy friendly communities and top-notch educational opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The eleven NESCAC schools don't have all the reputational frills that Ivy League schools do, but they are solid institutions and widely respected for balancing academic rigor, strong athletic programs, and tight-knit communities. While all NESCAC schools provide an excellent education, the differences in their locations, campus culture, academic focus, and selectivity make each one unique as well, so students can look for the campuses that best match their academic interests and learning preferences.

If you've got your eyes set on one or more NESCAC schools, you're heading in a strong direction academically. To maximize your chances for getting into your top-choice schools, Crimson Education offers a range of college admissions consulting services that can support you throughout your academic journey:

• Learn more about academics, extracurriculars, and admissions by signing up for our events and webinars on the topics that interest you.
• For more insights, review our students' admissions results and learn about our story.

If you're ready to get started, the easiest next step is scheduling a free feedback session to discuss your college goals and aspirations with one of our expert consultants.