Bryn Mawr College logo

Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Veritatem Dilexi(I Delight in the Truth)

1885
Founded
Private women's liberal arts college
Type
1,346
Total Students
1,360
Undergrad
317
Graduate
$1.3B
Endowment
(2025)
$63K
Tuition (In-State)
$63K
Tuition (Out-State)
$41K
Avg Net Price
31%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Graduation Rate
6-year
90%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Wendy Cadge

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

About Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr: A trailblazing women's liberal arts college, dedicated to 'I Delight in the Truth' since 1885.

Bryn Mawr College stands as a distinguished private women's liberal arts institution, renowned for its enduring legacy as one of the esteemed Seven Sister colleges. Founded in 1885 with Quaker roots, it quickly became a pioneer in higher education, notably being one of the first in the United States to offer graduate education, including PhDs, to women. Today, Bryn Mawr remains a vibrant academic community, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking among its 1,677 students.

The college's historical significance is deeply rooted in its commitment to advancing women's education. From its early days offering groundbreaking graduate degrees to its pioneering role in establishing the first doctorates in social work in 1912, Bryn Mawr has consistently pushed boundaries. While its undergraduate programs remain women-focused, the college broadened its graduate offerings to men in 1931, demonstrating an adaptive spirit while preserving its core mission.

Academically, Bryn Mawr is celebrated for its rigorous liberal arts curriculum, encouraging students to pursue diverse fields of study with a focus on deep inquiry. Beyond traditional academics, the college has a rich history of engagement with societal issues, exemplified by the Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Industry. This commitment to social progress continues today with its inclusive admissions policy, welcoming transgender women and intersex individuals identifying as women, alongside nonbinary students assigned female at birth.

For prospective students and their families, Bryn Mawr offers a unique experience rooted in a strong sense of community and a legacy of empowerment. The college's motto, "Veritatem Dilexi" (I Delight in the Truth), encapsulates its dedication to academic rigor, intellectual freedom, and a supportive environment where students are encouraged to lead and innovate.

Key Highlights

  • A private women's liberal arts college, founded in 1885 and part of the esteemed Seven Sisters.
  • Pioneering institution, among the first U.S. women's colleges to offer graduate degrees, including PhDs, to women.
  • Boasts a substantial endowment of $1.3 billion, supporting its academic mission and student experience.
  • Home to 1,677 students, fostering a close-knit and intellectually vibrant community.
  • First college in the U.S. to offer doctorates in social work (1912), demonstrating its innovative spirit.
  • Embraces inclusivity, accepting transgender women, intersex individuals identifying as women, and nonbinary students assigned female at birth for undergraduate admission.
  • Its motto, 'Veritatem Dilexi,' translates to 'I Delight in the Truth,' reflecting its commitment to academic inquiry.

Timeline

1680
Rowland Ellis names his estate 'Bryn Mawr' in Pennsylvania, after his home in Wales.
1885
Bryn Mawr College is founded as a Quaker institution.
1893
The college becomes non-denominational, moving beyond its Quaker affiliation.
1912
Bryn Mawr becomes the first U.S. college to offer doctorates in social work through its Department of Social Economy and Social Research.
1921
The Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Industry is established on campus.
1931
The college begins accepting men into its graduate programs.
1970
The Department of Social Economy and Social Research evolves into the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
2010
Bryn Mawr celebrates its 125th anniversary with various events, including an international conference on educational access.
2015
The college expands its undergraduate applicant pool to include transgender women and intersex individuals identifying as women, and later, nonbinary students assigned female at birth.
🏛️
141 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Bryn Mawr College

🎓

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

A pioneering school that originated as the Department of Social Economy and Social Research in 1912, offering the first doctorates in social work in the United States.

Leadership

President
Tim Harte
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Bryn Mawr College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search