Women's College Coalition

Women’s colleges were in the news when two, Smith College (ranked #4) and Saint Mary’s College (ranked #8) were recognized by the New York Times as some of the most economically diverse top colleges in the country.  They were joined by Barnard, Wellesley and Bryn Mawr in the top fifty.

Women’s colleges have educated a higher percentage of low-income, racially diverse and first-generation students than traditional co-ed colleges and universities, public or private, for more than a decade.

There were lots of memorable pictures taken at women's college commencements this spring.  From decorated mortar boards  to reflections on the women they have become, recent graduates of women's colleges have lots to celebrate.

Women's colleges were founded on progressive assumptions about inclusion and empowerment.  But they were also founded for specific beneficiaries: women.  But who counts as a woman? And is it possible for colleges to draw that line without redefining their missions of tolerance?

It makes a difference when you study at a college that empowers women, especially in a gendered world in which people still believe that they can’t identify qualified women across every field.