About Women's Colleges and Universities

The existence of women's colleges in 21st-century America might seem surprising. After all, it wasn't that long ago that women were denied many of the same rights that men enjoyed--including the right to a good university or college education. The first colleges for women in the United States were founded in the 19th century, but they taught primarily what were considered "female" topics such as religion, arts, teaching or nursing. Between 1837 and 1889, seven private full-fledged liberal arts colleges for women opened in the northeastern US, known as the "Seven Sisters." In the 1970s, however, most American women's colleges closed or became co-ed in response to legal and social pressures, as well as increasing costs and decreasing student populations. The fact that women's colleges are still around in 2008 proves that they still provide something distinct and valuable. So what do women's colleges have to offer students like you today?

Definition
As their name suggests, women's colleges are those committed to gender equity in education and whose primary mission is the education and advancement of women. Today there are over 50 specifically-designated women's colleges in the US, and while most are liberal arts colleges, women's colleges and universities may be public or private, independent or church-related, two- or four-year, or historically black. Some are residential, which means students live on campus; these have a particular community atmosphere. Others may be smaller institutes within a larger university (Douglass College at Rutgers University, for instance).

Demographics
Who goes to women's college? After all, the number of women's colleges has shrunk from 200 in the 1960s to just under 60 today. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in 2005, the total enrollment at degree-granting women's colleges was approximately 90,400 students, 94% of whom were women. That's right, only 94%. What many people don't realize is that not all schools designated as "women's colleges" only teach women: they are schools whose populations are only or almost exclusively women, and some do admit male students (sometimes only at the graduate level). And while you may hear talk of enrollment at women's colleges as declining, at some it's actually growing, so look at each institution individually.

And regardless of whether enrollment numbers are rising or falling, these schools are effective. A study by the nonprofit Women's College Coalition showed that 53 percent of women's college graduates go on to earn a graduate degree, compared to 38 percent of women graduating from other liberal arts colleges. And while women's colleges represent less than 1 percent of female college students in the US, their graduates have scored a disproportionately high number of firsts for women and go on to positions of influence in a wide range of career fields.

Delivery
So what exactly do you get from a women's college? For starters a quality undergraduate education that tends to be more personally focused and encouraging than many other universities and colleges in the US. Women's colleges offer 4-year bachelor's degrees and 2-year associate's degrees in a range of program areas such as business, education, humanities, natural sciences, applied sciences and technology, health care and medicine, nursing, social science, fine art, architecture, Christian studies, theology and more. The kinds of programs offered will depend on the type of school it is: whether it's a liberal arts college or a general education institute, for instance.

2-year women's colleges may offer associate's degrees, certificates of different lengths as well as vocational training in a wide variety of fields, including pre-professional programs. These schools aim to provide accessible industry-relevant learning that prepares students for employment or transfer to university programs. Check out our program-specific pages to learn more about what you can expect from the different fields of study at American universities and colleges.

Difference
Women have outnumbered and outperformed men on co-ed campuses for more than two decades, so why bother with a women's college? In 2004, the National Survey of Student Engagement showed that students attending women's colleges were more challenged by their academic experience, made greater gains in understanding themselves and others, and were more deeply engaged in their learning and in their desire to contribute to the welfare of their community. Why is this? Partly, it can be attributed to the fact that women's colleges offer greater opportunities for female mentoring, more role models, and that they prioritize the recruitment and retention of women in math, science and engineering, and the development of women's leadership. These schools create a climate where women are encouraged to realize their potential and become involved, and that can be as valuable as any academic program.

Deciding
So how will you decide? In many ways, making a decision about a women's college is the same as you would make for any university or college: first you have to decide what you're interested in, then you have to find a school that offers it. Other factors like how long you want to spend in school, scholarships, tuition costs, distance from home and possibly church affiliation may also be factors. Schools in the USA's database of women's colleges can help get you started. Once you've spotted a school that seems to suit your interest, check out their website. The site will tell you what they offer and who to call or contact for more information. Then call or, better yet, go visit-don't be shy! This is your education. So take the time to explore to help you get on the right path for your future!