Hidden Gems: Everything You Must Know About The Seven Sister Colleges In The US

The Ivy League often takes centre stage when people think of elite US universities. Yet, beyond institutions like Harvard University and Yale University, another prestigious group stands out: the Seven Sisters—a distinguished set of liberal arts colleges renowned for their dedication to women’s education. They were founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries as counterparts to the then male-dominated Ivy League that often excluded women. Five of the Seven Sisters remain women’s colleges, shaping generations of leaders. According to The Hill, 81 percent of women’s college graduates say their education highly prepared them for their first job—compared to just 61 percent from public universities—and they are nearly twice as likely to earn a postgraduate degree. The Seven Sisters have produced remarkable alumnae, including over half of all female US Secretaries of State, such as Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright. Their graduates have made lasting contributions to politics, literature, science, and entertainment. This blog takes you into the world of the Seven Sisters, exploring each of its universities. 

1) Barnard College: 

Located in the heart of New York City, Barnard College was founded in 1889 as one of the original Seven Sisters, offering women an Ivy League-caliber education. Affiliated with Columbia University, Barnard College provides a unique balance between a small, close-knit liberal arts experience and access to an extensive research institution. Known for its rigorous academics and emphasis on leadership, Barnard attracts students interested in fields like economics, political science, psychology, and the arts. Its alumnae include trailblazers such as Martha Stewart, Cynthia Nixon, and Jhumpa Lahiri.

The academic experience

Barnard’s undergraduate programme typically takes four years to complete, with a strong liberal arts foundation that requires students to explore courses across disciplines. Its Foundations curriculum is what truly sets it apart from other universities. The curriculum comprises general education requirements, major-specific courses, and electives, offering an academic experience with length and breadth. Barnard’s Foundations curriculum integrates Distributional Requirements, which provides a broad exposure to languages, arts, sciences, and social sciences, with Modes of Thinking to develop critical, ethical, global, and quantitative reasoning skills. The curriculum’s unique approach fosters interdisciplinary learning, preparing students for complex problem-solving in a rapidly evolving world.

Recognising the importance of physical well-being, Barnard requires students to complete a Physical Education course during their first year. Students can fulfil this requirement through various options, including physical education classes, dance technique courses, or participation in varsity sports. Students choose their majors and minors by the end of their sophomore year. Barnard offers over 50 majors, such as art history, cognitive science, and human rights, with minors as varied as Africana studies and an architecture minor. After three years of study, in the fourth year, students complete a senior project—a semester- or year-long effort showcasing their work on selected majors. It can be a thesis, creative project, lab research, or part of a senior seminar. Many projects are presented campus-wide, and thesis abstracts are published.

Other facts

• Barnard students receive a Columbia University diploma upon graduation, as both schools share academic accreditation.
• Margaret Mead, the pioneering anthropologist, taught at Barnard, inspiring generations of students.

2) Bryn Mawr College: 

Just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College was founded in 1885 with a bold vision: to provide women with an education as rigorous as the Ivy League. Renowned for its intellectual intensity and research-driven approach, it offers a collaborative learning environment with small class sizes, a student-led honour code, and a strong focus on critical thinking. Popular subjects include psychology, mathematics, English, and political science. Bryn Mawr has shaped generations of trailblazers, including Katharine Hepburn, Nobel Peace Prize winner Emily Greene Balch, and former Harvard president Drew Gilpin Faust.

The academic experience

Bryn Mawr College offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate programme rooted in the liberal arts. It promotes interdisciplinary exploration and in-depth study. The Emily Balch Seminar is the foundation of the first-year experience, introducing students to critical thinking and analytical writing. Beyond academics, the Customs Program provides year-long support, extending beyond a traditional orientation to foster a strong sense of community and residential belonging. This initiative ensures that students receive guidance throughout their first year. Additionally, the ten-week THRIVE programme helps students begin their Physical Education requirement while equipping them with the skills to navigate increased personal and academic independence and communal living.

During the second year, students engage in the Sophomore Planning Process, which helps them reflect on their academic and personal goals. This is when students officially declare their major and start planning experiences such as study abroad, internships, or independent research. The third and fourth years focus on advanced coursework within the major alongside electives that broaden intellectual exploration. In their final year, students complete a Senior Thesis or Project, a capstone experience involving original research or a comprehensive project within their chosen discipline.

Students can choose from over 35 majors and 50 minors, and through a consortium, they have additional access to courses at Haverford, Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania. The independent study program, which allows students to pursue research projects in subjects like computer science and physical education, is a hallmark of Bryn Mawr’s academic culture. Fewer students pursue a double major, and approximately five to ten students create and declare independent majors each year. 

Other facts

• Bryn Mawr was the first women’s college in the U.S. to offer Ph.D. programs, pioneering advanced education for women.
• The college has a long-standing tradition of lanterns, where students receive a coloured lantern symbolising their class year.

3) Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College was founded in 1837 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, making it the oldest of the Seven Sisters and a pioneer in women’s education. As a leader in liberal arts and sciences, Mount Holyoke is known for its innovative curriculum, commitment to research, and global focus. Popular majors include biological sciences, international relations, psychology, and economics. Mount Holyoke’s distinguished alumnae include poet Emily Dickinson, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, and playwright Wendy Wasserstein.

The academic experience

Mount Holyoke College’s four-year undergraduate programme combines academic flexibility with a strong liberal arts foundation. Students engage in a broad curriculum that spans the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, ensuring interdisciplinary exploration and specialised study. 

Students engage in First-Year Seminars, which help them develop critical thinking and practical communication skills. Additionally, they can reside in First-Year Experience Living-Learning Communities, which offer academic and social programmes to foster meaningful connections and ease the transition into college life. Students delve deeper into their majors during the second and third years after choosing one from over 48 fields. Students also have the option to design self-designed courses of study, tailoring their education to their specific interests and career goals. Minors and certificate programmes are available to complement the major, allowing for a customised academic experience. In the final year, students typically undertake a capstone project or honours thesis within their major, synthesising their learning and research skills. This culminating experience enables students to contribute original insights to their field of study.

The institution’s membership in the Five College Consortium—alongside Amherst College, Smith College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst—allows students to enrol in courses at these neighbouring institutions, significantly broadening their academic options.

Other facts:

• Mount Holyoke was the first college to emphasise science education for women, helping pave the way for women in STEM fields.
• The college has a tradition of canoe singing, in which seniors paddle across Upper Lake at sunset while singing farewell songs.
• The school’s alpacas (yes, real alpacas!) are part of its sustainability and environmental programmes.

4) Radcliffe College

Radcliffe College was founded in 1879 at Cambridge, Massachusetts,  as the women’s counterpart to Harvard University. The college offered courses taught by Harvard’s faculty but maintained its administration. By the 1960s, Radcliffe students were fully integrated into Harvard classrooms. In 1999, Radcliffe officially merged with Harvard to become the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, which now educates male and female students. Notable alumnae include Benazir Bhutto, Margaret Atwood, Natalie Portman, and Empress Masako of Japan.

The academic experience

Before the merger, Radcliffe students followed Harvard’s curriculum. After the merger, Harvard Radcliffe transitioned into a research institute. While it no longer confers degrees, it provides undergraduate and high school students with unique opportunities, emphasising interdisciplinary research and mentorship to complement traditional classroom learning. For instance, the Radcliffe Research Partnerships (RRP) pairs Harvard students with Radcliffe fellows, facilitating collaborative research and mentorship. A student can engage directly in a fellow’s projects, gaining hands-on experience across various disciplines such as the arts, humanities, sciences, and public policy. This partnership hones research skills and integrates students into the Institute’s vibrant intellectual community. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), on the other hand, is a youth leadership development initiative that connects local high school sophomores with Harvard undergraduates through mentoring. 

The institute also offers Harvard’s undergraduate and graduate students the Radcliffe Engaged Student Grant Program. This programme provides $1,500 grants to support research, creative endeavours, or service projects related to Radcliffe’s focus areas, such as climate change and academic freedom.

The Multidisciplinary Student Research Collaborative (MSRC) is another interesting programme at Harvard Radcliffe Institute. It allows Harvard students to engage in interdisciplinary research projects led by former Radcliffe fellows and Harvard faculty. Participants contribute to the preparation and execution of private seminars and workshops, gaining valuable research experience and mentorship. Open to currently matriculated Harvard undergraduates and graduates, students must have legal authorisation to work in the US. Enrolled undergraduate students are compensated $19 per hour, while graduate students earn $21 hourly. The total commitment typically ranges between 48 to 53 hours per project, depending on the student’s status. While students can complete some tasks remotely, the programme mandates in-person attendance at its research events. 

Other facts

• Radcliffe was initially called “The Harvard Annex.”
• Harvard diplomas for women bore the Radcliffe name until 1963, despite students attending the same classes as Harvard men.

5) Smith College

Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, opened in 1875 and quickly became one of the most prominent women’s liberal arts colleges in the US. Known for its rigorous academics and progressive approach to education, Smith has long championed women’s empowerment and leadership. It has pioneered women’s STEM education, launching the country’s first women’s engineering programme. The college is home to the prestigious Sophia Smith Collection, an extensive archive documenting the history of women’s movements and social change. Beyond the classroom, Smith College is known for its strong tradition of activism, fostering a culture of social responsibility and civic engagement. It is also part of the Five College Consortium, enabling students to take courses at Amherst, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The college has produced an impressive roster of alumnae, including Nancy Reagan, Julia Child, Barbara Bush, Sylvia Plath, and Gloria Steinem.

The academic experience

At the heart of Smith’s academic philosophy is its open curriculum, which empowers students to tailor their education to their interests without the constraints of a traditional core curriculum. In the first year, students focus on exploration, completing a writing-intensive course and working with faculty advisors. By sophomore year, they declare a major while continuing interdisciplinary studies. Junior year often includes advanced coursework and study abroad opportunities, while senior year culminates in capstone projects or theses, preparing students for graduate studies or careers. 

However, all first-year students must typically take at least one Writing Intensive by enrolling in first-year seminars and complete a foreign language requirement. With over 1,000 courses spanning 83 areas of study, students can combine disciplines innovatively—such as pairing engineering with studio art or physics with dance. This approach encourages exploration and interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to pursue their passions fully. Smith also boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio 8:1, fostering close interactions between students and professors. 

By sophomore year, students declare a major while continuing interdisciplinary studies. Junior year often includes advanced coursework and study abroad opportunities, while senior year culminates in capstone projects or theses, preparing students for graduate studies or careers. 

Undergraduate research is a cornerstone of the Smith experience. Approximately half of Smith’s STEM majors engage in research alongside faculty, gaining hands-on experience applying the scientific method and contributing to ongoing discoveries. The college offers various avenues for research involvement, including the Humanities and Humanistic Social Science (HSS) labs programme, which provides students in the humanities with year-round research opportunities.

Other facts: 

• Smith College runs its own power plant, making it one of the few colleges with an independent energy system.
• It is the only Seven Sisters college with an accredited engineering program, reinforcing its commitment to women in STEM.
• The college was the first in the US to offer a self-scheduled exam system, allowing students to take exams at their own pace within a designated period.

6) Vassar College

Vassar College, a prestigious private liberal arts institution in Poughkeepsie, New York, was founded in 1861 by Matthew Vassar. Originally established as a college for women in the United States, it became coeducational in 1969, making it the only Seven Sisters school to admit men. Vassar College aims to provide a well-rounded, high-quality education that helps students lead meaningful lives. The college encourages independent thinking, clear communication, intellectual curiosity, creativity, and open discussion. It promotes strong teaching, research, artistic expression, and a diverse curriculum within a supportive residential community. Vassar’s distinguished alumnae include Meryl Streep, Jane Fonda, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lisa Kudrow, and Anne Hathaway.

The academic experience

Vassar College offers a dynamic and flexible undergraduate academic experience. It emphasises a multidisciplinary approach within a liberal arts framework. Its open curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their interests, with over 50 majors and 68 minors spanning various disciplines. This flexibility allows students to double major or combine different areas of study, crafting a personalised academic path. 

The four-year journey at Vassar is structured to encourage intellectual growth and exploration. First-year students begin with a mandatory First-Year Writing Seminar that develops critical reading and writing skills essential for college-level work. In the sophomore year, students refine their academic focus, exploring potential majors while engaging in hands-on learning experiences through community-based projects and extracurricular activities. By junior year, many students participate in study abroad programmes, with approximately 45 percent choosing international experiences. The senior year is the culmination of the undergraduate experience, often involving a capstone project or thesis, allowing students to integrate their learning and contribute original insights to their field. Vassar also offers unique academic programmes that support independent and interdisciplinary learning. The Independent Program allows students to design their course of study, crossing traditional departmental boundaries to pursue innovative academic interests. Additionally, the college provides accelerated and dual-degree programmes in collaboration with prestigious institutions. Such programs allow students to combine a liberal arts education with specialised professional training, enhancing their academic and career prospects.

Other facts: 

• Vassar has one of the largest undergraduate libraries in the country, the Thompson Memorial Library, which houses over one million volumes.
• The college has a secret tunnel system beneath its campus. Historically, the college used this tunnel for heating and maintenance, but it has become a source of urban legend.

7) Wellesley College

Located in Massachusetts, just outside Boston, Wellesley College was founded in 1870 and is one of the world’s most prestigious women’s colleges. Known for its rigorous academics, commitment to women’s leadership, and strong alumnae network, Wellesley stands out for its small class sizes and close faculty-student mentorships. Popular majors include political science, economics, neuroscience, English, and computer science. Its impressive alumnae include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Diane Sawyer, Nora Ephron, and Soong Mei-ling (Madame Chiang Kai-shek).

The academic experience

Wellesley College offers a comprehensive and dynamic academic experience rooted in the liberal arts tradition. The institution is committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth among its students. This commitment is reflected in its curriculum, which encourages both exploration and specialisation. First-year students must fulfill distribution requirements across multiple academic categories to ensure a well-rounded education. These requirements expose students to diverse fields of knowledge and ways of thinking, helping them build a strong educational foundation. 

Additionally, all first-year students complete a writing course to develop their critical reading, writing, and analytical skills. A unique feature of this period is the shadow grading policy, which ensures that first-semester grades are not recorded on official transcripts. Wellesley offers a variety of unique academic programmes that enhance the undergraduate experience. 

Students can access extensive research opportunities, working alongside faculty on original projects that deepen their understanding of their chosen fields. The college also offers cross-registration and dual-degree partnerships with institutions like MIT, Olin College of Engineering, Babson College, and Brandeis University, which allow students to expand their academic experiences.

Other facts: 

• The “Wellesley Effect” refers to the strong leadership pipeline among its alumnae, with a significant number holding positions in government, business, and media.
• The campus features Lake Waban, a scenic body of water that plays a key role in campus traditions, including the famous step singing ceremony.

Seven Sisters in a Nutshell

Source: Latest information from university websites. Disclaimer: Data changes annually. Estimates exclude personal expenses, travel, and study materials.

While the Ivy League often dominates discussions on elite education, the Seven Sisters have built an equally remarkable legacy—defined by academic excellence, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions. Established to offer women an Ivy League-caliber education when such opportunities were scarce, these institutions continue to make a lasting impact today. Need assistance applying to one of the Seven Sisters? Please contact us. Meanwhile, read our blogs on Pursuing Liberal Arts in the US: Your Ultimate Guide and Emerging Elite: The Rise of the New Ivies in American Higher Education.