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Seven Sisters Colleges are a group of seven prestigious women's colleges in the US, renowned for high-quality education, women's empowerment, and liberal arts education. These colleges were established in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when higher education opportunities for women were limited.
The colleges included in this group are Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe (now part of Harvard), Smith, Wellesley, and Vassar Colleges. These colleges are known for academic excellence, small class sizes, experienced faculty, and strong alumni networks.
Students studying here get to experience not only education but also leadership, research, and global opportunities. If you are looking for a women-centric environment while studying in the US, then the Seven Sisters Colleges can prove to be a great choice.
Seven Sisters Colleges are counted among some of the most prestigious women's colleges in America. They were established in the 19th century with the aim of providing high-level education to women, when institutions like Ivy League were available only to men. Even today these colleges are known for their academic quality, women empowerment and global recognition.
If you want to know what are the seven sisters colleges, check out the list below:
Details About the 7 Sisters Colleges of USA
These 7 sister colleges USA were created specifically to provide excellent education to women.
Barnard College is a women's college located in NYC and affiliated with Columbia University, giving the college Ivy League resources and global recognition as a school. It provides an inclusive and diverse environment where women can confidently pursue leadership development. Barnard's education focuses on liberal arts, social sciences, writing, and the arts. Students from India attend for its academic excellence and global network. Students pursue careers in fields such as human rights, journalism, politics, and environmental science. Placements often lead to acceptance into further studies at global institutions, media companies, and U.S. universities.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Affiliation | Columbia University |
| Founded | 1889 |
| Type | Private Women’s Liberal Arts College |
| Notable For | Urban campus, Ivy League access via Columbia, feminism & leadership programs |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~11% (Highly Selective) |
| Ranking (U.S. News) | #18 in National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| QS World Ranking | Not individually ranked (Partnered with Columbia University - #23 QS 2025) |
| Special Programs | Columbia dual-degree programs, Women’s Leadership Institute |
| Things to Know | Access to Ivy League resources, vibrant NYC life, gender-focused curriculum |
Bryn Mawr College is a renowned women-centered liberal arts college known for its academic, science, art, and research activities. It offers small class sizes and dedicated faculty, ensuring each student receives individual attention and mentorship. There is a strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies in subjects such as women empowerment, women studies, astrophysics, economics, etc. Indian students choose it because it makes a strong effort towards academic excellence, self-reliance and global leadership. The alumni network is well recognized in education and research institutions.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia) |
| Affiliation | Tri-College Consortium (with Swarthmore & Haverford) |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Type | Private Women’s Liberal Arts College |
| Notable For | Rigorous academics, Quaker values, social justice focus |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~31% |
| Ranking (U.S. News) | #30 in National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| QS World Ranking | Not individually ranked |
| Special Programs | STEM Research, Exchange with Haverford & Swarthmore |
| Things to Know | Offers coed graduate programs, deep commitment to women’s rights & diversity |
Mount Holyoke College is the oldest "Seven Sisters College", established in 1837 AD. It is the identity of the tradition of women empowerment in education. Mount Holyoke has high quality liberal arts education, science research and library facilities. Many students here have received Fulbright, Rhodes and other global scholarships. For Indian students, this college is ideal for women who want to play an active role in social change, education policy, science and human rights. It provides an environment of female leadership, social responsibility and global understanding.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | South Hadley, Massachusetts |
| Affiliation | Five College Consortium |
| Founded | 1837 |
| Type | Private Women’s Liberal Arts College |
| Notable For | First of the Seven Sisters, diversity, leadership programs |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~38% |
| Ranking (U.S. News) | #36 in National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| QS World Ranking | Not individually ranked |
| Special Programs | Frances Perkins Program (for non-traditional students) |
| Things to Know | Focus on inclusivity (trans women admitted), international student-friendly |
Smith College, popularly known as WPI, is a liberal arts institution offering masters and bachelors in STEM, management, politics and the arts. It focuses on women empowerment, research infrastructure, interdisciplinary education and global leadership. Indian students choose it because it offers lab facilities, faculty interaction and attractive scholarships. Smith College offers small classes, women's studies networks and encourages independent thinking. Placements include students pursuing careers in media, education, non-profits, global health and technology.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Northampton, Massachusetts |
| Affiliation | Five College Consortium |
| Founded | 1871 |
| Type | Private Women’s Liberal Arts College |
| Notable For | Gender expression inclusivity, strong STEM and arts programs |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~30% |
| Ranking (U.S. News) | #16 in National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| QS World Ranking | Not individually ranked |
| Special Programs | Praxis Internship Program (funded internships worldwide) |
| Things to Know | No core curriculum, study abroad, progressive environment, LGBTQ+ friendly |
Wellesley College is a highly prestigious women's college whose alumni include Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright and many global leaders. The college offers world-class education in leadership, public policy, science, literature and sociology. Wellesley has played a significant role in increasing self-esteem and social influence among women. Indian students come here to study STEM, policy, education and environmental studies. Placements have provided opportunities for students to pursue further studies at universities such as Preston, MIT, Yale and Harvard or in fields such as mediation, public service, business.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Poughkeepsie, New York |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Type | Private Coeducational Liberal Arts College (since 1969) |
| Notable For | Highly intellectual environment, strong arts and humanities |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~20% |
| Ranking (U.S. News) | #13 in National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| QS World Ranking | Not individually ranked |
| Special Programs | Undergraduate research, field work in social sciences |
| Things to Know | Though coed now, it still holds Seven Sisters legacy and academic rigor |
Vassar College was originally women-only but is now a co-educational institution. It offers great diversity in the liberal arts, specializing in art, music, science and sociology. Vassar encourages independent study, faculty mentorship, and creative projects. The college attracts Indian and international students who want to pursue arts, literature, environment, technology, and research. Placements provide pathways for graduates from Vassar to graduate schools and fields such as media, art, and documentary.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Wellesley, Massachusetts (near Boston) |
| Affiliation | Independent, strong ties with MIT |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Type | Private Women’s Liberal Arts College |
| Notable For | One of the most prestigious women’s colleges worldwide |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~16% |
| Ranking (U.S. News) | #5 in National Liberal Arts Colleges |
| QS World Ranking | Not individually ranked |
| Special Programs | Wellesley-MIT exchange, Davis Degree Program |
| Things to Know | Hillary Clinton alumna, excellent leadership & research opportunities |
Radcliffe College no longer exists as an independent college as it merged with Harvard University in 1999. It was once considered the Ivy League alternative for women. Today Radcliffe maintains the Harvard traditions for women, leading in gender studies, public policy, and the humanities. Indian students can benefit from Harvard through the Harvard Radcliffe Institute and its global research platform.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Affiliation | Merged with Harvard University (Now Radcliffe Institute at Harvard) |
| Founded | 1879 (merged in 1999) |
| Type | Women’s College (Historical) |
| Notable For | Gateway for women into Harvard education |
| Ranking | Now part of Harvard University (QS World Ranking: #4 in 2025) |
| Special Programs | Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study |
| Things to Know | No longer accepts undergraduates separately, but legacy lives within Harvard’s inclusivity and research opportunities |
Some of the key benefits of studying at 7 sisters colleges:
Excellent Education Level – 7 Sisters Colleges are world renowned for higher education and their academic quality is considered to be at par with universities like Harvard and Yale.
Centre For Women Empowerment– These colleges are specially designed for women and promote women leadership, self-reliance and self-confidence.
Small Class Size – The ratio of students and professors in these colleges is very favorable, which increases personal guidance and engagement.
Strong Alumni Network – Alumni women of these colleges are working in top positions in the world, which provides guidance and opportunities in career.
Interdisciplinary Education – Students can get multidisciplinary education in various fields like arts, science, and humanities here.
Better Graduation Rate And Placement – Women graduating from these institutions get excellent opportunities in higher education, research and corporate sector.
Inclusive And Safe Environment – 7 Sisters Colleges provide a safe and supportive environment where diversity and inclusiveness are valued.
Reputation and History – The 7 Sisters Colleges were founded in the 19th century and have since been among the most prestigious women’s institutions in the US.
International Scholarships and Aid – Scholarships, financial aid and perks are available for international students, making studying easier.
Iconic Higher Education Option in the USA – If you are looking for women-centric, premium higher education in the US, then the 7 Sisters Colleges are an ideal choice.
Absolutely! Though there have been some changes like Radcliffe merging with Harvard and Vassar becoming co-ed, the rest of the USA sisters colleges are still renowned for high quality education and women’s leadership.
Now many international female students are also choosing these colleges for their undergraduate education. Their campuses are inclusive and provide a great foundation for global careers.
If you are looking for high quality education in the US and want to study in a historic, inspiring and female-centric environment, then seven sisters colleges are the best choice for you. These colleges not only impart education but also a rich heritage and guidance towards leadership. If you want to get direct admission, then you can contact our best study in USA consultants today, just fill the from below.
