The list of all-female colleges in the United States is small but selective. The United States leads the way in higher education, and this is no different for women’s colleges. Most of them have a rich history of being ahead of their time and emerged at a time when educational opportunities for women were very limited. Over the decades, they have continued their tradition of offering excellent education to women and have helped to produce influential leaders of the nation. Women’s colleges cover a wide range of academic philosophies, religious affiliations, and price ranges.
Many of these all-female colleges later incorporated the coeducational model and began to admit men as well, although female students still make up the majority of students. However, they have retained their uniqueness of smaller class sizes, high teacher-to-student ratios, and a focus on experiential education. They have continued to produce successful graduates around the world, contributing not only to the empowerment of women in male-dominated fields, but also to strengthening education for all. The choice of majors offered at these schools ranges from liberal arts to health sciences to programs with a strong professional focus.
In this ranking, we explore the best women’s colleges in the United States and how they stand out among their coeducational peers. We used College Navigator and U.S. News and World Report to research and find women-focused universities in the United States. There is data on tuition, enrollment, academic offerings, student support, financial aid. There is information about campus resources and living in a fun, safe, community-oriented environment. We did not rank the colleges, but listed them by high and low tuition rates. We looked at the average annual tuition for undergraduate programs.
Benefits of going to a women’s college
Supportive networking
networking in a female environment helps students gain confidence in their field. The environment is designed to encourage women to have more of a voice in their classes and clubs. Women’s colleges also have some of the highest 4-year graduation rates in the country
Higher admission rates
Women’s colleges have higher admission rates than high schools, even with their selective process. The reason is simple gender filtering. Less competition increases the chances of admission.
Strong alumni network
Many female college graduates become leaders in their field. Studying at a historically women’s college gives you access to a strong alumni network.
Smaller class size
Smaller class sizes at women’s liberal arts colleges are a big advantage. Students have more access to a larger number of professors. It also deepens the connection to the college community.