When it comes to choosing the best college, many factors come into play—location, programs, campus culture, and more. For female students, one option that often gets overlooked is the idea of attending a women’s college. Historically, women’s colleges have played a significant role in educating and empowering women, and they continue to offer unique advantages today. Let’s explore why the best women’s colleges still rank highly and what makes them an excellent choice for many young women.
The Unique Experience of Women’s Colleges
One of my high school friends attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and she often speaks about how transformative her college experience was. Over the years, as I visited Smith and other historically women’s colleges, I’ve realized just how special these institutions are. They offer a unique blend of academic rigor, leadership opportunities, and a supportive environment tailored specifically to the development of women.
When discussing the idea of attending a women’s college, the first reaction from many female students is often concern about the lack of male presence: “But I won’t see any guys!” This common misconception overlooks the fact that many women’s colleges, like Barnard College, are either part of or located near co-educational institutions, allowing for a diverse social environment while still offering the benefits of a women-centered education.
If you’re open to considering why the best women’s colleges are a great fit for many young women, take a moment to hear what Barnard’s President, Debra Spar, has to say:
What Women’s Colleges Offer: A Closer Look
Q: What does the Barnard experience offer for women? How does it compare to other American colleges?
A: The Barnard experience is both similar to and distinct from other colleges. On the surface, walking across Barnard’s campus feels like being at any top university, such as Harvard or Northwestern. It’s a vibrant, urban campus with a diverse student body that includes both men and women. However, when you dig deeper, you find that Barnard students enjoy the best of both worlds: they benefit from a co-ed environment but also thrive in a space where women take center stage.
At Barnard and other top-ranked women’s colleges, women are in the majority—not just in the classroom but also in leadership roles across campus. Whether it’s the student body president, club leaders, or other positions of influence, women occupy these roles. This dynamic fosters an environment where female students can develop intellectually and personally without the pressure of being “the woman in the room.” Instead of feeling the burden of representing a gendered perspective, they are free to express themselves as individuals, which can be incredibly empowering.
Q: Do women’s colleges have specific programs to encourage leadership?
A: Absolutely. Barnard, for instance, has the Athena Center for Leadership Studies, which is dedicated to helping young women realize their leadership potential. Unlike many programs that focus on inspirational aspects of leadership, Athena’s approach is hands-on. It teaches concrete skills that are essential for leadership in any field—whether it’s running a newspaper, a college, or a Fortune 500 company. The curriculum includes finance, negotiation, fundraising, and public speaking. While these aren’t “women’s skills,” they are essential leadership skills that women, statistically, may be less inclined to pursue. The Athena Center aims to bridge that gap, equipping women with the tools they need to succeed in any leadership role.
Why Consider Historically Women’s Colleges?
There are currently 60 women’s colleges across 24 states in the U.S., with Massachusetts alone home to eight of them. These institutions have a rich history of fostering female leadership, academic excellence, and social responsibility. They’ve produced generations of women who have gone on to become leaders in various fields, from business to politics to the arts.
Women’s colleges consistently rank highly for their strong academic programs, vibrant campus communities, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Schools like Wellesley, Smith, Bryn Mawr, and Barnard are often mentioned among the best women’s colleges, offering a range of programs that rival those at co-educational institutions.
The Benefits of a Women’s College Education
1. Leadership Opportunities: At a women’s college, women lead—literally. From student government to clubs and organizations, female students are at the forefront, gaining valuable leadership experience that will serve them well in their careers and personal lives.
2. Tailored Academic Programs: Many historically women’s colleges offer specialized programs and centers that focus on women’s issues, leadership, and empowerment. These programs provide a unique lens through which students can explore their fields of interest.
3. Supportive Environment: The community at women’s colleges is often described as supportive and empowering. Students are encouraged to take risks, speak up, and take on challenges they might shy away from in a co-ed environment.
4. Diverse Social Environment: While women’s colleges are single-gender, many are located near co-ed institutions, offering students the chance to enjoy a diverse social life. Schools like Barnard and Wellesley have partnerships with nearby universities, allowing students to take classes and participate in activities across campuses.
5. Long-Term Benefits: Graduates of women’s colleges often report high levels of satisfaction with their education, citing the confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships they developed during their college years.
There are 60 women’s colleges in 24 states in the US. (Massachusetts has 8 women’s colleges.) My hope is that more female college-bound students would be open to at least considering a campus visit at a women’s college. Here is a list of those colleges:
