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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 liberal arts college, shaping leaders since 1837.

Step into history at Mount Holyoke College, the venerable cornerstone of women's education and the oldest member of the prestigious Seven Sisters colleges. Founded in 1837 by the visionary Mary Lyon as the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, this institution shattered conventional barriers, offering a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum equivalent to men's colleges of its time. Lyon's pioneering spirit created a model that inspired the establishment of other prominent women's colleges, forever changing the landscape of higher education for women.

Today, Mount Holyoke remains a vibrant private women's liberal arts college in South Hadley, Massachusetts, fostering a unique and inclusive learning environment. Its commitment to academic excellence is evident in its diverse curriculum, encouraging students to explore subjects from geometry and calculus to Latin, Greek, science, philosophy, and history. Being part of the esteemed Five College Consortium further enriches the academic experience, providing access to a broader array of courses and resources.

The student experience at Mount Holyoke is defined by a strong sense of community and purpose. The college embraces an inclusive admissions policy for female, transgender, and nonbinary students, continuing its legacy of progressive leadership. Nestled on a sprawling 2,000-acre rural campus, students thrive amidst natural beauty, complemented by cultural treasures like the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, the John Payson Williston Observatory, and a serene botanic garden. Here, future leaders are not just educated, but empowered to become polished cornerstones of society, reflecting its enduring motto: "That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."

Key Highlights

  • Oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges.
  • Founded in 1837 by education pioneer Mary Lyon.
  • Boasts a robust $1.1 billion endowment.
  • Enrollment of 2,275 students fosters a close-knit community.
  • Part of the Five College Consortium, expanding academic opportunities.
  • Pioneered transgender-inclusive admissions among Seven Sisters (excluding Vassar) in 2014.
  • Sprawling 2,000-acre campus featuring an Art Museum, Observatory, and Botanic Garden.

Timeline

1836
Chartered as Mount Holyoke Female Seminary
1837
Mount Holyoke Female Seminary opened its doors on November 8
1888
Received collegiate charter, becoming "Mount Holyoke Seminary and College"
1889
Introduced Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree options
1893
Seminary course discontinued and the new title "Mount Holyoke College" was authorized
2014
Introduced an admissions policy inclusive of transgender students
🏛️
189 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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