Class of 2023

Mount Holyoke College has admitted one of the most competitive classes in its history for the class of 2023.

The College intends to enroll 525 first-year students, from a record number of applications — 3,908 students applied this year, an 8% increase from 2018.

With this increase, the College’s acceptance rate has dropped 15 points, from 51% to 36%.

“While each first-year class at Mount Holyoke is brimming with talent, this class faced the most competitive cycle,” said Robin Randall, vice president of enrollment management.

Mount Holyoke’s applications have been on an upward trend over the past five years, seeing a 23.6% increase since 2014.

“These remarkable results affirm the strong and growing recognition of the impact and value of a Mount Holyoke education,” Randall said. “We are excited to welcome such an accomplished group of students to the Mount Holyoke community, where we are confident they will find myriad opportunities for deep engagement, continued growth, and success.”

Mount Holyoke’s increased admissions success is a reflection of the College’s continued commitment to academic excellence and its intentional work around community building, for which it is increasingly recognized.

The students admitted to the class of 2023 come from around the country and around the globe. This year’s admitted class, the yellow sphinxes, represent 1,025 high schools, 49 states and 42 countries. Nineteen percent are international, 32% identify as domestic students of color and 15% are first-generation college students.

Eighty percent of the admitted students are projected to graduate in the top 20% of their high school class. The median SAT is 1410. The median ACT score is 32.

This year, the College accepted its 10th cohort from the Posse program. Mount Holyoke will welcome 11 new students from Miami, Florida, as Posse scholars. Each Posse scholar receives a full-tuition scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements and leadership potential.

Mount Holyoke’s robust financial aid program supports the College’s commitment to excellence and access. Seventy-five percent of admitted students applied for financial aid. The average financial aid package is $41,585 and 16% of the admitted class are Pell-grant eligible. This year, Mount Holyoke will spend $56,000,000 in financial aid to support an academically talented and economically diverse student body.

Admitted students are invited to campus for MHC Preview weekend, April 14–15, for an overnight visit. MHC Showcase, a single day visit program for those unable to attend Preview, is on April 22.

Do you see yourself here? Schedule a tour.