About Mount Holyoke College
The financial picture tells a story of institutional generosity. While the sticker price reaches $83,980, the average net price drops to $29,562 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $58,418 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $22,902 manageable with monthly payments of $243. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,365 net, demonstrating Mount Holyoke's commitment to economic diversity.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that helps explain the 89.71% retention rate. As a women's college, Mount Holyoke creates an environment where female students hold every leadership position and drive every classroom discussion, preparing them for the 91.2% employment rate they achieve after graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 89.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.0%
- Retention Rate
- 89.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,418
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $42,682 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $36,852 |
| Education, Other. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates small seminars where professors know your name and academic ambitions. Students gather in the dining halls and residence houses that form tight-knit communities. Weekend activities range from attending theatrical productions to hiking nearby Mount Tom. The college's traditions include Mountain Day, when classes cancel unexpectedly for outdoor adventures, and Convocation, where first-years receive class rings. With 83.76% of students graduating in four years, the academic culture balances rigor with support. The all-women environment fosters confidence and leadership that extends well beyond graduation, connecting students to an alumnae network that includes cabinet members and Pulitzer Prize winners.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,150 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1837
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 50.5%
- Black
- 5.5%
- Hispanic
- 9.2%
- Asian
- 7.1%
- In-State Students
- 16.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.3%
Location
- Address
- South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075-1489
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,418
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,985
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $243/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,902
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Mount Holyoke College?
Mount Holyoke accepts 39.76% of applicants, making it moderately selective among top liberal arts colleges. The admitted students typically score between 1350-1540 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for academic rigor dating back to its founding in 1837.
How much does Mount Holyoke College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $29,562, lower than the sticker price of $83,980. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,365 on average, while those receiving institutional grants get an average of $39,304 in aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount Holyoke College?
Mount Holyoke maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,198 students total. This intimate setting supports the college's commitment to mentoring women leaders and fostering close relationships between professors and students.
What are the career outcomes for Mount Holyoke College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $58,418 ten years after graduation, with 91.2% finding employment. The college's strong alumnae network, which includes notable figures like Frances Perkins and Emily Dickinson, helps open doors for recent graduates.
Where is Mount Holyoke College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a large suburban setting that provides both natural beauty and access to the Five College Consortium. With housing capacity for 2,150 students and an 89.71% retention rate, nearly all students live on campus and form tight-knit communities.
Is Mount Holyoke College still a women's college?
Yes, Mount Holyoke remains 100% women with 0% men enrolled, maintaining its historic mission as one of the original Seven Sisters colleges. This single-gender environment continues to foster women's leadership development and academic confidence in fields where women have been traditionally underrepresented.
