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Agnes Scott College

Decatur, GA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“In Fide Vestra Virtutem In Virtute Autem Scientiam”(Add to your faith virtue and to your virtue knowledge)

1889
Founded
Private women's liberal arts college
Type
898
Total Students
950
Undergrad
$239M
Endowment
(2024)
$48K
Tuition (In-State)
$48K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
67%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Leocadia I. Zak

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Agnes Scott College

Empowering women through a rich liberal arts tradition, Agnes Scott is Georgia's first accredited higher ed institution.

Agnes Scott College stands as a distinguished private women's liberal arts college in Decatur, Georgia, renowned for its empowering environment and deep-rooted history. With a vibrant community of 1,124 students, Agnes Scott is dedicated to fostering intellectual growth, leadership, and a comprehensive educational experience.

The college's journey began in 1889 as the Decatur Female Seminary, founded by Presbyterian minister Frank Henry Gaines. It quickly evolved, first changing its name to Agnes Scott Institute in 1890 to honor the mother of its primary benefactor, Col. George Washington Scott, and finally becoming Agnes Scott College in 1906. A true pioneer in education, Agnes Scott earned the distinction of being the first higher education institution in Georgia to receive regional accreditation, a testament to its enduring commitment to academic excellence.

Beyond its academic prowess, the college boasts a beautiful and historically significant campus. In 1994, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District, blending collegiate tradition with the charm of adjacent historic homes. Under visionary leadership, such as its first president Reverend Frank Henry Gaines, who led for 27 years, Agnes Scott expanded significantly, acquiring land and buildings and securing its financial future, laying a strong foundation for its continued success and growth. Today, under President Leocadia I. Zak, the college continues its legacy of empowering women to thrive.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1889 as the Decatur Female Seminary, evolving into Agnes Scott College, a private women's liberal arts institution.
  • ✦Pioneering institution: The first higher education college in Georgia to achieve regional accreditation.
  • ✦A close-knit community of 1,124 students dedicated to a comprehensive liberal arts education.
  • ✦The beautiful campus is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District.
  • ✦Led by President Leocadia I. Zak since 2018, continuing a legacy of strong leadership.
  • ✦Operates with a substantial endowment of $0.2 billion, supporting its mission and programs.
  • ✦Adopts the motto: "In Fide Vestra Virtutem In Virtute Autem Scientiam" (In your faith, virtue; in virtue, knowledge).

Timeline

1889
Founded as Decatur Female Seminary by Presbyterian minister Frank Henry Gaines.
1890
Name changed to Agnes Scott Institute, honoring Agnes Scott, mother of benefactor Col. George Washington Scott.
1906
Name changed again to Agnes Scott College.
1896
Reverend Frank Henry Gaines begins his 27-year presidency, overseeing the transition to collegiate level, regional accreditation, and significant expansion.
1994
Campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District.
2018
Leocadia I. Zak becomes the ninth president of Agnes Scott College.
🏛️
137 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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