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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 empowers future leaders, pioneering advanced education for women since 1885.

Bryn Mawr College stands as a beacon of women's education, a distinguished private liberal arts institution and a proud member of the revered Seven Sister colleges. Founded in 1885 with the powerful motto "Veritatem Dilexi" — "I Delight in the Truth" — Bryn Mawr has consistently pushed the boundaries of academic excellence and inclusivity, fostering an environment where intellectually curious minds thrive on its 135-acre suburban campus.

From its early days, Bryn Mawr was a trailblazer, being one of the first U.S. women's colleges to offer comprehensive graduate education, including doctoral degrees, to women. This commitment to advanced study continued with the establishment of the first U.S. doctorate program in social work in 1912, a legacy that continues through its Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. While its undergraduate programs remain dedicated to women, the graduate school became co-educational in 1931, broadening its impact.

Today, Bryn Mawr educates 1,677 students, offering a rigorous and empowering liberal arts experience. The college champions a progressive vision, evidenced by its decision in 2015 to welcome transgender women and intersex individuals identifying as women, alongside nonbinary students assigned female at birth. This inclusive approach ensures that Bryn Mawr remains a vibrant community dedicated to fostering bold vision for women in the world, preparing them to lead with integrity and knowledge under the leadership of President Wendy Cadge.

Key Highlights

  • ✦A distinguished Private Women's Liberal Arts College, part of the historic Seven Sisters.
  • ✦Founded in 1885, it was one of the first U.S. institutions to offer graduate degrees, including doctorates, to women.
  • ✦Established the nation's first doctorate program in social work in 1912, which evolved into the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
  • ✦Boasts a substantial endowment of $1.3 billion, supporting its academic mission and resources.
  • ✦Home to 1,677 students (as of Fall 2023), fostering a close-knit and intellectually stimulating community.
  • ✦Embraces a forward-thinking approach to gender, accepting transgender women, intersex individuals identifying as women, and nonbinary students assigned female at birth into its undergraduate program.

Timeline

1885
Founded as a private women's liberal arts college, initially affiliated with Quakers.
1893
Became a non-denominational institution.
1912
Became the first U.S. college to offer doctorates in social work.
1921
Hosted the Bryn Mawr Summer School for Women Workers in Industry (until 1938).
1931
Began accepting men as graduate students, expanding its co-educational graduate programs.
1970
The Department of Social Economy and Social Research became the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.
2010
Celebrated its 125th anniversary with events highlighting educational access and equity.
2015
Expanded its undergraduate applicant pool to include transgender women and intersex individuals identifying as women.
🏛️
141 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Bryn Mawr College

🎓

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

A pioneering institution, evolving from the nation's first doctorate program in social work established in 1912.

Leadership

President
Tim Harte
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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