Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, Massachusetts
Founded in 1837, Mount Holyoke College is a private liberal arts college located in South Hadley, Massachusetts. As the first of the historic Seven Sisters, the College has long championed rigorous education for women. Today, Mount Holyoke is a nonsectarian, gender-diverse institution that welcomes applications from cisgender women, transgender men and women, and nonbinary or gender nonconforming individuals.
Mount Holyoke’s academic experience is rooted in intellectual curiosity and purposeful exploration. Its liberal arts curriculum emphasizes cross-disciplinary learning and real-world application; students are encouraged to pursue research, internships and creative projects that link theory and practice. The College offers particular depth in STEM fields, with robust support for student research and faculty collaboration.
Home to approximately 2,200 undergraduates from more than 45 countries, Mount Holyoke fosters a globally-minded and inclusive campus culture. The College prepares students to make meaningful contributions both locally and globally, and connects them to an alum network 40,000 strong, with a legacy of graduates who lead across disciplines and industries.
Get to know Mount Holyoke College
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Model UN
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Symphony orchestra
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Centers
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Veteran Services
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
- Gender & Sexuality Center
College Highlights
“I talk with friends who are not Mount Holyoke students, and they have limited research experience. But here, I’ve done research with two advisors in two different departments.” – Grace Guan, Class of 2024
COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
Community-Based Learning (CBL) pairs Mount Holyoke students, faculty and staff with local leaders in South Hadley and beyond to collaborate on internships, research, and service projects that have a direct, positive impact in the community. Students are able to learn from on-the-ground practitioners and understand how to apply the ideas, theories, and models they learn in class.
A CBL experience breaks down the barrier between the classroom and the real world, enhancing students’ understanding of current social issues both locally and nationally, and helping them grow the leadership, organizing, and advocacy skills that are vital to change making at all levels. And for our community partners, CBL fosters sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships that support local organizations and help them thrive. The core components of the CBL program include student employment opportunities, tutoring and mentoring opportunities and community partnerships.
STUDY ABROAD
Living and learning in another country encourage students to challenge themselves, engage across differences, and expand their knowledge, skills and approaches. It’s an experience that will stay with students for life, whether they choose language immersion, field studies, or a classroom-based program. In many cases students also have the opportunity to incorporate an internship, community-based learning or independent research for an even fuller experience.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
At Mount Holyoke, research is a hands-on, collaborative experience that begins in the first year. Whether students are analyzing samples from a NASA mission, designing a psychological study, or exploring archival materials in the library, they’ll have the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are leaders in their fields. Research here means asking big questions, developing real-world solutions, and making discoveries that matter. Our students build critical thinking, communication and technical skills that serve them long after graduation. Through The Lynk, students can also access funding to support summer research and internships, making it even easier to take their ideas further. From STEM labs to studio art, research at MHC is about curiosity, impact, and the confidence to turn knowledge into action.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 41 | 10-19: 304 | 20-29: 95
30-39: 23 | 40-49: 10 | 50-99: 4 | 100+: 1
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 20%
Hispanic/Latine: 10%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 5%
White, non-Hispanic: 52%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 7%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%
“At MHC I’ve had the support and encouragement of faculty, staff and fellow students who pour their time, energy and hearts into making Mount Holyoke a community that lifts students up to achieve their dreams and goals” – Elena Frogameni, Class of 2022
NEXUS PROGRAM
The Nexus Program is a specialized minor that empowers students to connect interdisciplinary learning with some of today’s most dynamic career fields, from preprofessional programs to areas like global business, data analytics and society and educational policy and practice.
The Nexus program currently offers concentrations in 8 pre-professional areas called tracks. A Nexus is designed like a minor with 18 credits of coursework. To fulfill a Nexus, students take 12 credits above the 100-level and must include at least one 300-level course. Students also take College 211 for 2 credits to reflect on their co-curricular experience and gain the skill of sharing their ideas with others during the annual Learning from Application (LEAP) Symposium, where they present their Nexus experience and expand their network of like-minded innovators.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Exchange student program (domestic)
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Undergraduate research
“Mount Holyoke has a very collaborative community, a very accepting environment, which helped with [my] confidence. Even if I bring just a little to the table, I know my peers will have my back.” – Grace Jaeeun Lee, Class of 2025
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Open to all students, Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) combine residential life with themed academic and social experiences, supported by faculty/staff liaisons and residential life staff. Some LLC highlights include:
- Language – 4 different language LLC communities that promote a supportive and congenial environment of language immersion for its residents by providing access to language assistants, faculty, and staff who facilitate programs and activities that enhance students’ linguistic and cultural competence in their target language in order to help them thrive in a global society.
- Lyons’ Nation – a community that is designed to support students who are varsity/club athletes and dancers striving for athletic and academic excellence.
- Livin’ Free – a community that provides a positive atmosphere for students who respect each other’s choice to be committed to healthy habits and who abstain from substances such as alcohol, tobacco products, illicit drugs, and the misuse of prescription medication.
- First-Year Experience – a community that helps new students get acquainted with the college and involved during their first year. Students are offered academic and social opportunities that help them form meaningful connections to the College community and find their niche at Mount Holyoke.
- Affinity LLCs – Eight different affinity LLC spaces are available for historically marginalized students, committed to developing a safe, supportive, and celebratory environment that’s sensitive to the complexities of being a student of a different affinity at a predominantly white institution.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Mount Holyoke College is located in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a quintessential New England town nestled in the scenic Connecticut River Valley. Just a few miles from the namesake Mount Holyoke peak in Skinner State Park, the College offers students a serene, wooded campus with immediate access to nature trails, lakes and a vibrant local arts scene. South Hadley is also within driving distance of the metropolitan hubs of Boston and New York City, providing students with access to internships, research opportunities and weekend excursions.
ATHLETICS
Mount Holyoke College offers 11 varsity sports, 10 of which compete at the NCAA Division III level, and one competes through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). Mount Holyoke’s NCAA teams compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 99%
Undergraduates: 97%
Campus housing options.
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Special housing for students with disabilities
Theme housing
Wellness housing
Living-learning communities
“I’ve found that no matter what, everyone working on this campus wants you to succeed.” – Aby Soumare, Class of 2025
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
At Mount Holyoke, preparing for life after college begins the moment students arrive on campus. From day one, students can find career development woven into their experience, with guidance that grows alongside them.
In their first year, students can ease into the process with things like a self-paced course, interactive workshops and programs designed to help them start exploring their interests and building career confidence. Sophomore year brings even more opportunities to deepen that exploration, especially during the Sophomore Institute, a conference-style event where students sharpen their communication skills and connect with alums.
As a junior, the career journey gets even more hands-on. Students can take part in industry treks to nearby cities, find mentorship opportunities, or gain real-world experience that helps shape their post-graduation goals. Then, as a senior, Mount Holyoke College students launch into their final year with a dedicated kickoff event that lays out key timelines, resources and next steps, supporting students for what comes next.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA
Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
Important
Class rank | Interview | Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability
Character/personal qualities | Volunteer work | Work experience
Considered
Standardized test scores | First generation | Alumnae relation
Geographical residence | Level of applicant’s interest
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 1410 | 75th Percentile: 1510
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 710 | 75th Percentile: 760
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 670 | 75th Percentile: 770
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 32 | 75th Percentile: 35
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 26 | 75th Percentile: 34
ACT English
25th Percentile: 34 | 75th Percentile: 36
ACT Science
25th Percentile: 29 | 75th Percentile: 35
ACT Reading
25th Percentile: 33 | 75th Percentile: 36
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $67,782
Fees: $238
Room: $10,151
Board: $10,222
What Others are Saying
Contact Mount Holyoke College
Contact Admissions
mtholyoke.edu/admission
(413) 538-2023
admission@mtholyoke.edu
Campus Location
50 College Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
(413) 538-2000