Saint Anselm College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. Founded in 1889 by the Benedictine monks of Saint Anselm Abbey, the institution is named after Saint Anselm of Canterbury, a medieval theologian and philosopher.
Affiliation and Governance
The college operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church and maintains a close relationship with Saint Anselm Abbey. Governance includes a board of trustees, a president, and faculty governance structures typical of American liberal arts colleges.
Academic Programs
Saint Anselm offers undergraduate degrees in more than 30 majors across the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. It also provides graduate programs, notably a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The college follows a semester-based academic calendar and emphasizes a liberal arts core curriculum.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus occupies approximately 116 acres in the South End of Manchester. Notable facilities include the St. Anselm Hall (residence), the Thomas H. O'Connor Residence Hall, the Raymond J. and Emma E. St. Mary’s Library, the Saint Anselm Abbey Church, and the Saint Anselm football stadium (Sanford Field). Athletic programs compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Northeast-10 Conference.
Student Body
As of the most recent data available (2023), the college enrolls roughly 2,500 undergraduate students and a smaller number of graduate students. The student‑faculty ratio is approximately 12:1, and the average class size is typically under 20 students.
Accreditation
Saint Anselm College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Specific programs hold additional accreditations, such as the business program’s accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Notable Alumni
Prominent alumni include:
- John H. Sununu, former Governor of New Hampshire and White House Chief of Staff (1991–1992).
- Ruthie Berman, former New Hampshire State Representative.
- Peter A. Briger, CEO of St. Joseph’s Healthcare.
Community Engagement and Service
The college emphasizes community service and integrates volunteerism into its curriculum. Programs such as the “Beneson Center for Service” coordinate local and international service opportunities for students.
Historical Significance
Saint Anselm College is recognized for its historic Benedictine heritage, which influences its educational philosophy, campus architecture, and liturgical life. The college’s founding coincided with a broader movement of Catholic higher education expansion in the United States during the late 19th century.
