Hood College, Frederick, Maryland

If you’re looking for a friendly, welcoming college in a charming small city, Hood College might be just what you’re searching for. I recently visited the campus and was impressed by both its warmth and welcoming students. Here’s what I discovered.

A Walkable, Welcoming Campus

Located just an eight minute walk from the heart of historic downtown Frederick, Hood College is located in a quiet residential neighborhood and sits right next to Baker Park, a large public space with hiking trails and green areas. It is a setting that blends the best of both worlds —access to nature and city convenience. The surrounding community is proud of its “town and gown” relationship with the college, and that shows.

From the moment I stepped on campus, the friendliness was apparent. There’s even a phrase for it — the “Hood Hello” — a culture of smiling and acknowledging others as you pass by. It’s a small thing, but it creates a sense of belonging.

Fun Traditions and Thoughtful Academics

One of the more unique traditions: first-year students receive beanies called “dinks”—a quirky, nostalgic way to kick off your college experience.

Hood is a solid fit for a B student looking for a supportive and challenging environment. Admission is test-optional and rolling, meaning students typically get decisions within about three weeks. You can even apply as early as May of your junior year, and applying early can increase scholarship chances. If your grades go up during senior year, Hood welcomes updated transcripts for additional merit consideration.

Hood recently received a $50 million boost to its endowment, with funds earmarked for scholarships so the financial aid outlook is promising.

Honors College and Nursing Standouts

Students seeking a bit more academic rigor may consider the Honors College. It requires an essay for admission and emphasizes discussion-based classes. Honors students take one special course per semester, live in honors-specific housing, and receive an additional $2,000 scholarship.

For aspiring nurses, Hood offers a direct-admit nursing program. A minimum of a 3.3 GPA is required for admission into the program, and strong performance in high school science classes is key. The program is test-optional and applications are evaluated by both the admissions team and nursing faculty. And here’s a major perk — there’s a hospital right next door.

Campus Life: Sports, Diversity, and Community

About 40% of students are athletes competing at the Division III level. Whether you’re on the field or cheering from the sidelines, school spirit is alive and well.

Hood emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a core part of its identity. As they told us: “Our commitment to DEI is embedded in our mission.” That’s not just a slogan—it shows up in student organizations, campus programming, and classroom discussions.

Students come from across the region, but the majority are Maryland residents. With that said, Hood is well-connected for out-of-state students too.  It’s equidistant from Dulles, Reagan, and BWI airports, making travel relatively easy.

📚 Unique Academic Programs

Hood College offers several distinctive academic programs that set it apart:

  • Art & Archaeology: This program combines artistic study with archaeological methods, providing a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding human history.
  • Global Studies: An interdisciplinary major that prepares students for careers in international relations, global policy, and cultural exchange.
  • Coastal Studies Semester: A specialized program focusing on coastal ecosystems, offering hands-on learning experiences in environmental science.
  • 4PLUS Dual-Degree Programs: Hood’s 4PLUS programs allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated format. Fields include:
    • Computer Science/Cybersecurity
    • Computer Science/Information Technology
    • Biology/Biomedical Science
    • Psychology/Counseling
    • Business Administration (MBA)

These programs provide students with opportunities to deepen their expertise and enhance their career prospects in a condensed timeframe.

If you’re looking for a college that offers small class sizes, strong support, and generous scholarships, Hood College is well worth a visit. It has a friendly campus culture, a growing endowment supporting students, and is situated in a vibrant, walkable town full of restaurants, shops, and green space.