Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,593

Total Students

$8K

Tuition (In-State)

$8K

Tuition (Out-State)

$13K

Avg Net Price

100%

Acceptance Rate

38%

Graduation Rate

6-year

72%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

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

About Mississippi University for Women

Pioneering opportunity for women, this institution has evolved into a diverse, empowering university.

Mississippi University for Women stands as a testament to educational evolution, beginning as the nation's first public women's college. Established in 1884 as the "Mississippi Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls," it broke ground by offering both a liberal arts education and vocational training. Its campus, rich in history, formerly housed the Columbus Female Institute, adding layers to its storied past.

Over the decades, the institution adapted to societal shifts and expanded its vision. Its name changed to Mississippi State College for Women in 1920 to reflect a growing emphasis on collegiate-level education. A pivotal moment arrived in 1966 with the admission of the first Black undergraduates and graduate students, collectively known as "The Fabulous Six," marking an important step towards desegregation. In 1974, it officially became the Mississippi University for Women, acknowledging its expanded academic programs, including graduate studies, aligning with other state universities.

Today, while upholding its historical identity and continuing its emphasis on distinctive opportunities for women, the university welcomes all qualified students. This transformation followed a landmark 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling concerning its nursing school's admissions policies. MUW offers a vibrant and inclusive academic environment, focusing on quality programs and fostering an empowered community where faculty collaborate closely with students, embodying its motto, "We study for light to bless with light."

Key Highlights

✦Established on March 12, 1884, as the first public women's college in the United States.
✦Began its first session on October 22, 1885, with approximately 250 students.
✦Pioneered desegregation in 1966, admitting the first Black undergraduates and graduate students.
✦Became co-educational in 1982 following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding its admissions policies.
✦Reaffirmed its mission in 1988 to provide quality academic programs with an emphasis on distinctive opportunities for women.
✦Nora Roberts Miller was inaugurated on February 1, 2019, as the first alumna president of the university.
✦Offers expanded academic programs, including graduate studies, reflecting its status as a comprehensive university.

Timeline

1884

The institution was created by an act of the Mississippi Legislature, initially named the "Mississippi Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls."

1885

The first session began on October 22, with an enrollment of approximately 250 students.

1920

The name of the institution changed to "Mississippi State College for Women" (MSCW).

1966

Three local women became the first Black undergraduates, and three teachers became the first graduate students at MSCW.

1974

The name was changed to the "Mississippi University for Women" (MUW) to reflect expanded academic programs.

1982

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Mississippi University for Women v. Hogan, leading to the admission of qualified men into all university programs.

1988

The Board of Trustees reaffirmed MUW's mission with an emphasis on distinctive opportunities for women.

2019

Nora Roberts Miller was inaugurated as the first alumna president of Mississippi University for Women.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Mississippi University for Women

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Nursing School

Its single-sex admissions policies were at the center of the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case, leading to the admission of qualified men into all university programs.

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