Why You Should Consider a Women's College
Women’s colleges have grown and changed over time. They’re no longer finishing schools for southern belles – they’re fun, academically challenging environments for strong, independent females. And stats show women’s college students carry serious weight after graduation.
Even though only 2% of college grads get their degree from a women’s college, their alumnae account for more than 20% of women in Congress and 33% of women on Fortune 100 boards, according to a report from Sara Kratzok and Casey Near. Hillary Clinton, Meryl Streep, Nancy Pelosi, Diane Sawyer and Gabrielle Giffords all went to women’s colleges. Here are five great picks to look into:
Mills College
Location: San Francisco, CA
Size: 1,500 students
Essentials:
- Ranked one of the top colleges and universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report
- 95% of undergraduate students receive financial aid – the average award is $39,482
- It’s near everything – hip San Francisco, the scenic Oakland foothills and several gorgeous regional parks are at your doorstep
Alverno College
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Size: 2,700 students
Essentials:
- Alverno prides itself on teaching students their eight abilities: communication, analysis, problem-solving, valuing, social interaction, developing a global perspective, effective citizenship and aesthetic engagement
- There are no grades – instead, you get a narrative transcript that highlights your growth and accomplishments
- Ranked as one of the top four Midwestern colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” guide
Stephens College
Location: Columbia, MO
Size: 1,100 students
Essentials:
- Consistently ranked as a top Midwestern College by U.S. News & World Report
- Stephens traditionally focused on the creative arts, but has created new health science programs to keep up with demand
- With the University of Missouri and Columbia College nearby, it’s easy to branch out and meet people off campus
Simmons College
Location: Boston, MA
Size: 5,000 students
Essentials:
- With an average class size of 18, you’ll get plenty of individual attention
- Simmons puts a focus on women’s leadership and helping students find meaning in their lives and careers
- Located in the heart of Boston, there’s always events happening near campus
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Size: 2,800 students
Essentials:
- Mount Saint Mary’s emphasizes building women’s leadership skills
- Named the No. 1 college that “Adds the Most Value” by MONEY Magazine
- Nearly 70% of Mount Saint Mary’s alumnae earn a graduate degree
Did you know that women’s college grads are 1.5 times more likely to earn a graduate degree than public university alumni? And if you want to save some money, see the Scholarships for Women website for plenty of opportunities.
There's more to women's colleges than meets the eye. If you want a lot of individual attention, a strong campus community and a school with a respectable mission, it’s worth considering a women’s college.
