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Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace — Psalms 144:12”

1837
Founded
Private women's liberal arts college
Type
2,275
Total Students
2,178
Undergrad
97
Graduate
$1.1B
Endowment
(2024)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

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

About Mount Holyoke College

Pioneering women's education since 1837, fostering leaders in a vibrant liberal arts community.

Mount Holyoke College stands as a beacon of women's education, renowned as the oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges. Founded in 1837 by visionary Mary Lyon, it was a groundbreaking institution that charted a new course for women's higher learning, setting a standard for academic rigor equivalent to that of men's colleges of the era. Lyon's innovative approach fostered a supportive, collective environment where students tackled subjects like geometry, calculus, Latin, and philosophy, traditionally out of reach for women.

Today, Mount Holyoke continues this legacy as a private women's liberal arts college in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Students benefit from its rich history and forward-thinking spirit, including an inclusive admissions policy for female, transgender, and nonbinary students. The college is also a vital part of the Five College Consortium, offering students expanded academic and social opportunities across Amherst, Hampshire, Smith Colleges, and UMass Amherst.

Academically, Mount Holyoke provides a comprehensive liberal arts education, nurturing intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The 800-acre rural campus itself is an extension of the learning experience, featuring the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, the John Payson Williston Observatory, and a beautiful botanic garden. Here, prospective students can anticipate a transformative educational journey, surrounded by a community dedicated to empowering future leaders.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1837 by Mary Lyon, it is the oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges.
  • ✦A private women's liberal arts college with an inclusive admissions policy for female, transgender, and nonbinary students.
  • ✦Part of the prestigious Five College Consortium, offering expanded academic and social opportunities.
  • ✦Features a robust endowment of $1.1 billion, supporting a vibrant academic environment.
  • ✦Home to approximately 2,275 students, fostering a close-knit and supportive community.
  • ✦Its 800-acre campus includes an Art Museum, the John Payson Williston Observatory, and a botanic garden.

Timeline

1837
Founded as Mount Holyoke Female Seminary by Mary Lyon, opening its doors on November 8.
1888
Received its collegiate charter, becoming "Mount Holyoke Seminary and College" and introducing entrance exams.
1889
Students could choose to pursue Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees.
1893
The seminary course was discontinued, and the institution was officially renamed "Mount Holyoke College".
2014
Became the first member of the Seven Sisters (excluding Vassar) to introduce an admissions policy inclusive of transgender students.
🏛️
189 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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