Norwich University (NU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Located in Northwood, Vermont, Norwich University was the first private military college in the United States. Established in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, the college was the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) program. Many people believe that choosing to attend a military academy means choosing to enter the military after graduation. This is not necessarily the case. Only students who accept ROTC scholarships are obligated to enter the military after college. Students who simply seek the structured environment, low student to teacher ratio and commitment to high standards that a military academy provides may benefit from Norwich University without having to commit to a military career, though many students do. Norwich provides a unique environment that is a mix of traditional students and a corps of cadets. Students who have traditionally excelled both academically and athletically and enjoy volunteering time to those less fortunate may well enjoy gaining an education at Norwich University.

Videos

Information Summary

Ranks 6th in Vermont and 781st overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	83.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$58,054
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1160
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	21 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	79% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,986

Academics

Norwich University subscribes to a unique belief system regarding teaching and learning that sets it apart from other universities. The college strives to provide every student with a multi-faceted education that incorporates learning from professionals, teaching students how their chosen field ties in with other fields, ensuring that students learn to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. Utilizing a hands-on learning system that teaches students how to solve real-world problems via field trips, lab work, internships and actual projects is another preferred teaching method. By providing such a broad array of learning opportunities, Norwich teaches students how to be strong, successful members of a global community by instilling traits common to all leaders; confidence, integrity, discipline, loyalty, honor, critical thinking and adaptability.

Undergraduate Programs

With seven academic schools and over thirty undergraduate degrees, Norwich University offers a wide array of career options. Some fields of study offered include accounting, criminal justice, history and psychology. Undergraduate programs consist of an intensive curriculum that provides the student with a solid educational base and students are encouraged to continue on to master’s level work. Norwich also offers excellent pre-law and pre-med/dental programs.

Norwich University is recognized nationally for several of their programs. The nursing program is considered a program of excellence by the Army ROTC and both the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency recognize Norwich’s Computer Security and Information Assurance program as a program of excellence. The Emmy Award-winning communications program and the David Crawford School of Engineering are also widely accredited as programs at the top of their fields.

Graduate Programs

Norwich University offers nine online master’s degree programs and a teaching and learning professional certificate. Some of the masters programs include civil engineering, nursing, military history and business administration. Students who pursue an online master’s degree with NU have constant access to professors, classmates and the Kreitzberg Library. Students needing to use the library have access to 100 online databases, tens of thousands of e-books and twenty-two thousand full-text electronic journals. If a student needs access to a document that is not available online, the library offers a document delivery service to the student.

Norwich University takes online learning to a whole new level by providing students with every advantage that a traditional classroom has including small class sizes and an intense focus on the student in addition to the convenience of learning from home.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Gallery

Admissions

Norwich University accepts applicants on a rolling basis, which means that they begin considering an applicant as soon as they receive all of the required documentation. Potential students are evaluated individually; the school considers the whole person including academic successes, contributions to community and leadership potential. Because of this, there are several documents that the school requires or recommends in order for an applicant’s portfolio to be considered for admittance. Priority application packet deadlines are February 1 for fall admission and November 15 for spring admission.

Undergraduate Admissions

Students should begin the process by completing an application either online or by contacting the admissions office to request a paper copy of the application. Students are welcome to start the application process anytime after the junior year of high school. After submitting the application, students will need to have official copies of high school transcripts or GED results sent to the school. A personal essay allows each student to sell themselves to the school. This should be used to tell the school about things that aren’t apparent in other documentation such as personal experiences that have affected academic performance, or volunteer activities that are not otherwise documented. ACT or SAT scores are also required. Finally, it is not required but Norwich highly suggests that the student submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, employers or other professionals who can attest to the student’s character and academic abilities.

International Student Admissions

Norwich University believes that students from all over the world greatly contribute to their community by adding an additional dimension to the educational experience and encourages international students to apply. Applicants should be awared that there are a few additional requirements for international students seeking admission in order to ensure the applicant has all of the tools necessary to succeed. In addition to all of the standard requirements, students must demonstrate a full command of the English language. To prove proficiency, the Test for English as a Second Language may be required, with minimum score requirements. In addition, all submissions, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays must be translated to English prior to submission. Finally, an affidavit of support must be submitted to exhibit the applicant’s ability to pay for school as most forms of financial aid are not available to students that are not citizens of the United States.

Nursing, Architecture and Transfer Student Admissions

There are slightly different requirements for students that are applying to the nursing and architecture programs at Norwich University as well as for students that are seeking to transfer in from another institution. Students seeking admission under these circumstances should refer to the admissions office for additional requirements.

Financial Aid

Many people believe that an education at a private institution is out of reach for financial reasons. This is certainly not the case; in many instances there is enough financial assistance available to needy students that a private education will cost no more than a public one. Norwich University understands this and has developed an Office of Financial Planning specifically to help students find ways to make an education at their institution financially possible.

Financial aid is available in many different forms including both non-military government and private scholarships, the ROTC scholarship, grants and federally subsidized loans. Students may be awarded either need-based or merit-based financial aid and should complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) by March of their senior year in high school in order to be competitive for all aid.

The FAFSA is available online and students should be aware that financial information for both the applicant and the parents is required and should be at hand prior to starting the form. Norwich University highly recommends that even students that have applied for the ROTC scholarship complete the FAFSA because there is no guarantee that a student is going to be accepted to the program and should prepare for that eventuality.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 378th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Vermont.

Students

The student body at Norwich University is composed of students from all over the world. There are both traditional students and cadets, so that the school offers students with different points of view and backgrounds. The one thing that all students have in common is that they have been identified as people with the potential to become the great thinkers and leaders of the future. Students that seek the “typical” university experience of partying and attending class in pajamas are not suited to life at Norwich. Instead, students that are seeking a structured environment that promotes athletic success, leadership development and academic excellence will feel right at home at NU.

Over ninety percent of the student body participates in at least one varsity, club or intramural sport. Community service, mentoring and volunteering time to worthy causes are all activities that most students participate in on at least a weekly basis. There are also numerous clubs and organizations on campus that most people choose to participate in. Norwich describes their students as “participators”. Traditional students and cadets are completely integrated in the classroom, in extracurricular activities and in sports. Cadets, however, participate in military training and live separately from traditional students.

Another great advantage to attending Norwich University is that the campus is extremely safe. Vermont tends to have a very low crime rate anyway but with the military presence on campus, students can feel safe walking home from class or the gym even after dark.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Athletics play a huge role in campus life at Norwich University with both traditional students and cadets. An astounding ninety percent of the student body participates in at least one sport or extracurricular activity. As an NCAA Division III School, the Norwich Cadets compete in eighteen different varsity sports including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, lacrosse, swimming, ice hockey, rugby and soccer. Men also have the option of participating in football, baseball and tennis while women may also choose from softball or volleyball. Norwich Cadet colors are maroon and gold and the teams are extremely competitive.

Norwich University offers athletic facilities that are comparable to many larger universities. The school boasts several different athletic fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, softball, soccer and rugby. Some other facilities that are available are two complete gymnasiums, an indoor swimming pool, an ice hockey rink, an indoor shooting range and a climbing wall. Students seeking a workout also have access to aerobics facilities, racquetball courts and indoor tennis courts. NU places a very high value on athletics and supports its students by providing quality facilities and a knowledgeable coaching staff.

Additional School Information

Norwich University’s civil and environment civil engineering program has drawn the attention of local and state leaders in the country’s drive to be “green”. NU is in the top ten percent of the nation’s most energy efficient schools. Students, teachers and faculty are constantly striving to create new programs and initiatives to decrease the university’s carbon footprint. The David Crawford School of Engineering has drawn national attention as leading state government officials have identified it as an organization that is aware of itself as a member of the community and works hard to create solutions for local and state environmental issues.

Norwich University also has a summer program that is open to all students. There are a variety of courses and three different sessions and students may take traditional classroom courses or choose an online version that better suits their needs. The smaller classes and complete focus on academic issues allow each student the opportunity to improve study and research skills and improve grades.

Bibliography

Norwich University. The president and trustees of Norwich University. 2011. Web. 26 April 2011.

Norwich Cadets. The Official Site of Norwich University Athletics. Norwich University Athletics Program. 26 April 2011. Web. 26 April 2011.

Chandler, Carrie. “Maroon, Gold and Green: Norwich Shows Its Colors.” Norwich University. Norwich University Office of Communications. 26 Feb. 2007. Web. 26 April 2011.

“College Navigator; Norwich University”. National Center for Educational Statics. U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences. Web. 26 April 2011.

Norwich University