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Cottey College

Nevada, MO

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Creators of Incredible Futures

1884
Founded
Private women's college
Type
266
Total Students
$116M
Endowment
(2024)
$26K
Tuition (In-State)
$26K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
66%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
6-year
61%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Stefanie Niles

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

About Cottey College

Cottey College: Empowering women for incredible futures since 1884.

Cottey College, a distinguished private women's college, stands as a beacon for female empowerment and academic excellence. Founded in 1884 by the visionary Virginia Alice Cottey, it has consistently nurtured generations of women, embodying its inspiring motto: "Creators of Incredible Futures." From its humble beginnings as Vernon Seminary, offering primary, intermediate, and collegiate preparatory education, Cottey College has evolved, maintaining a steadfast commitment to providing a transformative educational experience.

A pivotal moment in Cottey's rich history occurred in 1927 when its founder, Alice Cottey, entrusted the college to the P.E.O. Sisterhood. This international philanthropic organization, dedicated to supporting women's education, accepted the responsibility, establishing a significant endowment to ensure Cottey College's long-term sustainability and mission. This unique ownership structure underscores the college's deep roots in philanthropy and its unwavering focus on advancing opportunities for women.

Today, Cottey College continues to offer a focused academic program, having transitioned by 1932 to exclusively provide a two-year higher education experience, preparing students for successful futures. With a substantial endowment of $0.1 billion, the college provides a supportive and resource-rich environment. Prospective students and families will find a college dedicated to fostering leadership, critical thinking, and a global perspective, all within a vibrant community designed to empower women to achieve their highest aspirations.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1884 by Virginia Alice Cottey, originally as Vernon Seminary.
  • A private women's college, dedicated to female education and empowerment.
  • Owned and operated by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international philanthropic organization, since 1927.
  • Operates under the inspiring motto: "Creators of Incredible Futures."
  • Boasts an endowment of $0.1 billion, ensuring robust resources for its mission.
  • Evolved by 1932 to focus exclusively on a two-year higher education program.

Timeline

1884
Virginia Alice Cottey establishes Vernon Seminary, offering primary, intermediate, and collegiate preparatory education.
1886
The institution is officially renamed Cottey College.
1927
Founder Alice Cottey offers the college to the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
1927
The P.E.O. Sisterhood accepts ownership of Cottey College, establishing a $200,000 endowment for its long-term operation.
1932
Cottey College transitions to exclusively offering a two-year higher education program.
🏛️
142 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Stefanie Niles
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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