
Why a Women’s College: By the Numbers
March 30, 2021
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Learn about a Women's College with the Statistics
This week is a “Why a Women’s College” Week, and we’re featuring a post a day from different perspectives on the value of an inclusive women’s college education. Today’s post is for those of you who want to look at the numbers- facts, figures and statistics about women’s colleges.
Students
- Women’s Colleges as a group are more racially and ethnically diverse than other types of schools; 43% of those attending Women’s Colleges identify as American BIPOC.1
- Women’s Colleges have more students that receive Pell Grants than other types of schools.1
- Women’s Colleges alumnae are more likely than public university or liberal arts college alumnae to say they benefited from a safe campus environment.2
- Women’s College students are more likely to value helping others, influencing social values, promoting racial understanding, becoming a community leader, and helping the environment.4
- Women’s College students engage in more volunteer work, average 3.7 hours a week.4
- Women’s College students consider it very important to become an authority in their academic field. 4
- Women’s College students are more likely to participate in student government.4
“Being away from home and in the company of my fellow classmates—all smart, driven women wanting to make a mark on the world—gave me a new perspective on the place where I grew up (Rwanda). I observed even more gaps that needed to be filled if I wanted to inspire other young women to pursue careers they’re passionate about and make a difference in their own communities.”

Peace Grace Muhizi '19
Academics
- Women’s Colleges alumnae are more likely than all other alumni to have graduated in four years or less.2
- Women’s College students graduate at similar rates to liberal arts colleges in general, and BIPOC graduates are at higher rates than at other types of schools.1
- A similar number of Women’s College students are in STEM degrees as with other types of schools, but a much higher percentage of that number identify as BIPOC.1
- Women’s Colleges employ a greater proportion of female faculty, and those professors are more likely to hold leadership positions than at other types of schools.3
- Women’s College faculty are more likely to embrace student-centered teaching practices, class discussions, and cooperative learning.3
- Women’s College faculty are among the most likely to involve undergraduates in their research.3
“Before, I was afraid of change, of travel where there might be language barriers and different expectations. Now I have confidence in my ability... SUMMIT taught me how to pick out and focus on the qualities I best embody in my leadership style.”

Eileen Davila '20
Post-College Outcomes
- Women’s College alumnae are more likely than other graduates to be “completely satisfied” with the overall quality of their education.2
- Women’s College alumnae are more likely to complete a graduate degree.2
- Women’s Colleges receive higher effectiveness ratings than other colleges and universities for helping students to be prepared for their first job.2
“ I had the most amazing community of friends, women who were equal parts intelligent, caring, and fun. I developed relationships with professors that I maintain today. I always felt like there was a community of people cheering me on.”

Lindsey Garland Padget '15
- https://www.womenscolleges.org/sites/default/files/report/files/main/collectif_2020_wcc_msmu.pdf
- https://www.womenscolleges.org/sites/default/files/report/files/main/2012hardwickdaycomparativealumnaesurveymarch2012_0.pdf
- https://www.womenscolleges.org/sites/default/files/report/files/main/wcc_faculty_report_final.pdf
- https://www.womenscolleges.org/sites/default/files/report/files/main/students_at_womens_colleges_final_report.pdf
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