Why a Women's College?
Women in the U.S. have a voice, a standing, and a freedom that has not come quickly or easily. Just 100 years ago, women in the U.S. could not vote. Most women did not have the opportunity to go to college. If you ask your mother or grandmother about how her career choices and economic freedom have changed in her lifetime, you'll get a sense of the progress women have made in that short of time.
"At The Woods, I learned to speak my mind; it hasn't been easy, as I've always been rather shy... because of The Woods, I've gained confidence in being able to speak up and defend my positions - confidence I didn't know I had."
- Mary Stevens
(Elementary Education)
The Woods, since its very founding in 1840, has been all about helping women develop skills to participate fully in life and business, to find their voice, and to forge ahead in creating new opportunities. We accept women where they are, empower them to do more, and celebrate their accomplishments. We have a wealth of information that demonstrates how women achieve more academically, personally, socially, and physically at a women's college.
It's probably easy for you to understand why your mother or grandmother would have attended a women's college. Back in her day, the fight for recognition and equality was in full swing, and the only place where she could really make her mark might have been a women's college. But today, who is choosing a women's college?
Fact: Women's colleges are filled with college students just like you. They're ambitious and diverse students with dreams and goals. You may be looking for a career in criminal justice. You may want to study bio-medical research or go to veterinary school. Perhaps you want to be a CEO of a corporation. Whatever your dream, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will help you turn it into reality.
Did you Know?
In the annual National Survey of Student Engagement report, far more students at women's colleges report with greater frequency that their colleges helped them learn more about themselves, hone their quantitative analysis skills, and develop a desire to help their communities.
"At The Woods, women are given a chance to find their voice and use it. You have the chance to grow and excel to be the best you can be - simply for you - and not for anyone else. My future goal is to become a civil rights attorney and make a difference in the lives of others. The Woods is challenging and preparing me for the next steps to meet this goal, academically and socially."
- Brittany Gray
(Paralegal Studies Major)
Studies have found that by attending women's colleges, women:
- Have more opportunities to hold leadership positions and are able to observe women functioning in top jobs (90% of the presidents and 55% of the faculty are women).
- Report greater satisfaction than their coed counterparts with their college experience in almost all measures: academically, developmentally and personally.
- Develop measurably higher levels of self-esteem than other achieving women in coeducational institutions. After two years in coeducational institutions, women have been shown to have lower levels of self-esteem than when they entered college.
- Are more successful in careers; that is, they tend to hold higher positions, are happier and earn more money.
Source: Women's College Coalition
