What are women’s colleges?
Women’s colleges are schools where the entire student population is composed of women. Some of these schools may allow non-women in their graduate programs, but their undergraduate programs are entirely women.
Women’s colleges in the US were initially created in the 19th century, at a time when it was difficult or impossible for women to receive higher education. Many of these initial women’s colleges have either shut down or begun admitting non-women. However, there are still a good number of schools left for students who prefer to learn in an all-women environment.
Related: Top scholarships for women
Choosing a women’s college
Students can have many different reasons for choosing a women’s college. Maybe you feel more comfortable participating in the school community, or you think it would provide a more focused environment for your studies.
Studies by the Women’s Colleges Coalition have suggested that women’s colleges may produce better economic outcomes for students, and give students a higher chance of going on to graduate school.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference. If you’re considering a women’s college, one of the best things you can do is go for a campus visit to both all-women’s campuses and gender-inclusive ones. That way you can compare the different atmospheres and decide which seems like the right fit for you.
Additional lists to explore
Frequently asked questions about women’s colleges
What is the hardest women's college to get into?
Do women's colleges still exist?
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