Why Mount Holyoke
Why a Women’s College?

Why a Women’s College?

Four Key Reasons. Endless Potential.

At Mount Holyoke, we blaze our own trails. As one of the first women’s colleges in the country, it’s been a part of our character from the beginning. And it continues to the present day — with our groundbreaking support of gender diversity in admissions and numerous other firsts. It’s because we see the world through a different lens that we know a better way is possible — and together, we have the skills, knowledge and community to make it reality. Making a choice like Mount Holyoke isn’t typical. It’s better. And we think you’ll agree. Here are just a few reasons why:

Students working with Associate Professor of Physics Alexi Arango

Academics

Rigorous. Relevant. Spirited. Inspiring. The learning landscape at Mount Holyoke is shaped as much by curiosity and intensity as it is by collaboration and guidance. Your guides? Our faculty, who were named #1 in the nation, per the 2020 Princeton Review (which is based on student surveys). But you’ll also learn from your peers, from internships and from study abroad opportunities that will take you all over the world. And everywhere you look, you’ll find people who brim with passion, from classes on renewable energy and critical race theory in education to wearable circuit workshops at the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab. Who seek the whys and hows of human behavior. And who forge multidisciplinary connections and relationships quicker than you can say “intersectionality.”

MHC students with Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, during a site visit to Washington, DC

Leadership

At Mount Holyoke, the first of the powerful Seven Sisters colleges, social activism and leadership is in our DNA. The world needs our graduates — who share the conviction and readiness to make their lives stand for something bigger — now more than ever. Whatever cause you’re most passionate about, there’s a way to begin — or continue — your leadership journey at Mount Holyoke. The Weissman Center for Leadership offers resources for developing the skills and strategies of an effective leader, and student leaders put these skills into practice every day. From advocating for underrepresented communities to planning hackathons, organizing Model UN conferences and publishing award-winning campus newspapers, there’s plenty of opportunity to grow into the leader you’ve always wanted to become.

Learn more about the Weissman Center

Community

Here, you’re taken seriously from day one. Mount Holyoke is a place where you are surrounded by peers, role models and mentors who see you and value you. Where people are on and by your side as you make memories that will last for life. People who push you to aim high, take risks, ask questions, make mistakes and break restraints — knowing that such actions can spark momentous and meaningful change.

Mount Holyoke's expansive commitment to access and inclusion is reflected in our student body and admissions policy. We welcome a gender diverse population, with students from across the country and all around the world. Most importantly, we recognize all identities as multidimensional, intersectional — and we explore that fact in class, in community, in our cultural centers and in our residence halls.

20%

International student population

With over 80 countries represented, Mount Holyoke has the most globally diverse students of any liberal arts college in the U.S. This diversity provides a uniquely powerful context for global learning in the residence halls, classes and campus life.

28%

Domestic students of color

28% of students identify as domestic students of color (African American, Asian American, Latinx, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or multiracial).

Countries represented

Our 2,200 students hail from 45 states and 81 countries.

130+

Student-run clubs and organizations

There’s something for everyone, from student organizations to student government, class boards and club sports!

Four seniors cheering with arms raised at the top of Mount Holyoke

Traditions and annual events

From Convocation to milk and cookies and the Laurel Parade, traditions and annual events bring the community closer together and create memorable moments to last a lifetime.

Collage of students and faculty portraits

We are Mount Holyoke

Community encourages conversation. Diversity elevates it. Meet some of the students, faculty and alums who call the community at Mount Holyoke home.

After Mount Holyoke

Though women’s college graduates make up 2% of the college graduate population, they are more than twice as likely as graduates of coeducational colleges to receive doctoral degrees. Over 20% of women in Congress and 33% of women on Fortune 1000 boards graduated from a women’s college.* A degree from Mount Holyoke is an open door to opportunity, and an open invitation to make a lasting contribution to the world.

For proof, look no further than our network of more than 38,000 alums. From the first woman in a presidential cabinet to the first woman of color to win an Oscar for best director, their experience at Mount Holyoke shaped who they are and how they lead. However our alums make an impact, they’re acutely aware of the shoulders they stood on to achieve success — and are ready to do the same for the next generation. That’s the reason The Princeton Review named us #10 for “Best Alumni Networks” in 2021.

80%

Advanced degrees and career success

Within 15 years nearly 80% of our graduates pursue an advanced degree. Mount Holyoke alums across the decades pursue rewarding careers in fields ranging from medicine, law and business to communications, finance and consulting.

Storyteller and National Geographic Explorer, Tara Roberts is photographed in Key West, Florida, November 6th, 2021. (Wayne Lawrence/National Geographic)

Alums leading the way

At Mount Holyoke, the bench of female “firsts” is deep and varied, from the first woman in the presidential cabinet to the first woman producer to win an Oscar. These leaders are ready to help new graduates find their way.

40,000+

Global alum network

Our network of alums around the world share their time, insight and connections — these of course being code words for power. Alums of women’s colleges arguably constitute the most influential professional-women’s networks on the globe.

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