Mount Holyoke College logo

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, Mount Holyoke empowers future leaders.

Mount Holyoke College stands as a landmark institution, a private women's liberal arts college with a legacy stretching back to 1837. As the oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges and a vital part of the Five College Consortium in Western Massachusetts, it offers a rich academic experience rooted in a mission to foster intellectual curiosity and leadership. Students benefit from a vibrant campus environment and a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire, preparing them to be cornerstones in their communities and the world.

Founded by the visionary Mary Lyon as the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, the college was a pioneer in advocating for rigorous higher education for women, offering subjects like geometry, calculus, Latin, and science at a time when they were rarely taught to female students. Lyon's innovative approach created a model for women's colleges, providing a comprehensive curriculum and a supportive physical environment that mirrored the quality of men's institutions. This trailblazing spirit laid the groundwork for many other institutions, including Vassar and Wellesley, which were patterned after Mount Holyoke.

Today, Mount Holyoke continues its tradition of progress and inclusivity. While primarily a women's college, its admissions policy is inclusive of female, transgender, and nonbinary students, marking it as the first of the Seven Sisters (excluding Vassar) to adopt such a policy. With a substantial $1.1 billion endowment and a student body of 2,275, the college offers a dynamic academic setting where students engage with diverse subjects, hone critical thinking, and contribute to a close-knit community. The historical emphasis on collective ideals and personal development continues to shape a student experience that is both academically demanding and deeply supportive.

Key Highlights

  • Oldest member of the historic Seven Sisters colleges, established in 1837.
  • Founded by Mary Lyon, a pioneering figure in women's higher education.
  • Holds a substantial $1.1 billion endowment.
  • Enrollment of 2,275 students, fostering a close-knit liberal arts community.
  • A leading institution in the Five College Consortium, offering expanded academic opportunities.
  • First among the Seven Sisters (excluding Vassar) to adopt an admissions policy inclusive of transgender and nonbinary students.

Timeline

1836
Chartered as Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, a teaching seminary.
1837
Mount Holyoke Female Seminary opens its doors to students on November 8.
1888
Receives its collegiate charter, becoming "Mount Holyoke Seminary and College."
1889
Introduced entrance exams and began offering Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
1893
Seminary course discontinued, officially becomes "Mount Holyoke College."
2014
Introduced an admissions policy inclusive of transgender students, a first for the Seven Sisters (excluding Vassar).
🏛️
189 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Mount Holyoke College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search