A classroom of students listening attentively during a LEAP Symposium presentation

Why Mount Holyoke

Build bonds. Blaze trails.

At Mount Holyoke, our students, faculty, staff and alum community have never been afraid to be out in front. Here, we build enduring bonds, break through barriers, and blaze even bigger trails for the generations to come — so we can leave the world better than we found it.

We believe in the strength of connections. That's why we build bridges among people and across disciplines. Between cultures and through ideas. In the classroom and around the globe. It's how discovery goes deeper, sparks spread further and we push beyond the limits of what we thought was possible. And together, we guide, challenge and support each other to grow and reach the places we want to go.

Every day, each of our students cultivates the competence, confidence and courage to make an impact — whether on a personal, community or global level. And we're always moving forward. Because when you're out in front, you realize just how boundless you are.

At the leading edge of change

Our graduates draw upon the skills they develop at Mount Holyoke to excel in fields as varied as medicine, business, science, law, the arts, public service, academia and more. Employers — specifically in finance, business and STEM — intentionally seek out graduates of women’s colleges because of their potential to lead right away.

95%

Career outcomes

95% of graduates from the class of 2023 for whom outcomes data could be obtained (74% of the class) were employed and/or in graduate school within six months following graduation.

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%

Excellence in STEM

We excel in preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering and math. 40% of our students major in STEM fields — a significantly higher proportion of women than at coeducational institutions.

Campus Voices

Meet our community

Students working in the reading room of the Williston library

Our students

Mount Holyoke College students share a keen curiosity, deep intelligence and a passion for big ideas and bold actions that make the world a better place.

Students working in lab with faculty.

Our faculty

Our nationally-recognized faculty are active scholars, researchers, and artists — in addition to being extraordinary instructors and mentors.

Explore the accomplishments of our faculty
The class of 1994 marching in the Laurel Parade

Our alums

Our alums are everywhere — from the highest levels of leadership to the forefront of innovation — and deeply committed to the Mount Holyoke community.

More about our alums