Photo: Bay Path University. Retrieved from: www.baypath.edu
A historically all women’s undergraduate institution, Bay Path University is located in Long Meadow, Massachusetts in Hampden County. The school also offers online and graduate programs that both men and women can participate in. There are two additional Bay Path campuses in Burlington and Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
Along with academics, it is the goal of the administrators at Bay Path University to encourage students to focus on leadership, communication, and technology in hopes that students will become, “confident and resourceful contributors to our increasingly interdependent world.”
Bay Path has over 20 majors to choose from including Child Psychology, Forensics, and Marketing. Unlike many colleges who make students take multiple courses in areas other than their major, students at Bay Path University take a majority of their classes in their specific majors. This allows the students to get the most out of their education. Along with Baccalaureate degrees, students can also obtain associates degrees, Graduate degrees, and certificates.
Along with seven other colleges such as Springfield College, Western New England University, and Westfield State University, Bay Path University is part of the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield. This consortium allows students from the eight different colleges to take advantage of the classes, libraries, and opportunities of the other seven colleges.
History
Bay Path University was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1897 as a coeducational school. When it moved to Long Meadow in 1945 it became an all women’s college. It wasn’t until 1988 that Bay Path University became a four-year institution.
Campus Life
Just 5 minutes from Springfield, the 46-acre campus gives students a campus-feel but is close enough to a city to take advantage of the many opportunities available. Students can obtain part-time jobs in Springfield, apply for internships or simply take in the rich culture that Springfield has to offer.
There are three resident halls on campus that come equipped with at least one lounge and computer room. Freshmen and Sophomores are required to live on campus as the faculty feel this is an important part of the college experience. While upperclassmen can live on campus, many rent apartments near by. Currently, only 25% of students live on campus.
There are numerous activities for students to participate in on their down time. They can join the choir, or student government, or they can play Division III athletics in sports such as basketball, field hockey, and softball.
Throughout the year, Bay Path University offers events on campus that students and the community can attend. For instance every year since 1996, Bay Path University hosts the Women’s Professional Development Conferences. It has featured the likes of PBS/ABC news correspondent Cokie Roberts, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and writer Maya Angelou.
Financial Aid
Bay Path University calls itself one of the most affordable, private colleges in New England. Costing around $43,000 a year to attend, Bay Path strives to make their school both “financially feasible” and an “investment in your life plan.”
Around 95% of students receive some form of financial aid from Bay Path University but only 6% have their needs fully met. The average package given out to a first-year student is just shy of $27,000. Upon graduation, students can expect to be $38,000 in debt.
Leave a Reply