Overview of Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is a highly respected women’s liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and a tradition of empowering women leaders. Established in 1885, Bryn Mawr has played a significant role in the history of women’s education in the United States and continues to be a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters intellectual curiosity and social responsibility.
Academic Excellence and Liberal Arts Tradition: Bryn Mawr College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs grounded in the liberal arts tradition. The college offers a wide range of majors and minors across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. The academic curriculum is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, emphasizing critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of diverse disciplines.
The faculty at Bryn Mawr are distinguished scholars and educators who are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The college’s commitment to small class sizes encourages meaningful interactions between faculty and students, fostering mentorship and collaborative learning.
Sisterhood and Inclusivity: Bryn Mawr College is known for its strong sense of community and sisterhood. The college has a long-standing commitment to women’s education and has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s intellectual and leadership capabilities. The supportive and inclusive environment at Bryn Mawr promotes collaboration, mutual respect, and the celebration of diverse perspectives.
The college actively embraces a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming students from various backgrounds and fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. This commitment is reflected in the college’s efforts to create a campus culture that celebrates diversity and provides resources and support for students from different walks of life.
Tri-College Consortium: Bryn Mawr College is part of the Tri-College Consortium, which includes Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges. This collaboration allows students to cross-register for courses at the other institutions, expanding academic opportunities and fostering a sense of community among the three colleges. The consortium enhances the overall academic experience by providing access to a broader range of courses, resources, and intellectual perspectives.
Graduate Programs and Research Opportunities: In addition to its undergraduate programs, Bryn Mawr College is home to a graduate school that offers master’s and doctoral programs. The graduate school, known for its strengths in the humanities and social sciences, contributes to the vibrant intellectual atmosphere on campus.
Bryn Mawr places a strong emphasis on research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The college encourages students to engage in independent research projects, participate in collaborative research with faculty, and present their findings at conferences. The commitment to research contributes to a culture of academic inquiry and innovation.
International Focus and Study Abroad: Bryn Mawr College encourages students to explore global perspectives and engage in cross-cultural experiences. The college offers study abroad programs and facilitates international exchanges, providing students with opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages, and academic traditions. The international focus aligns with Bryn Mawr’s commitment to preparing students to be informed global citizens.
Campus and Facilities: Bryn Mawr’s campus is characterized by historic architecture, expansive green spaces, and modern facilities. The campus features the iconic Thomas Great Hall, the Carpenter Library, and various academic and residential buildings. The residential life at Bryn Mawr is designed to foster a sense of community, with housing options ranging from traditional dormitories to apartment-style living.
The campus also hosts cultural events, performances, and lectures that contribute to the vibrant intellectual and social life at Bryn Mawr. The Goodhart Hall, home to the Bryn Mawr College Performing Arts Series, is a venue that showcases a rich array of artistic and cultural expressions.
Student Life and Athletics: Bryn Mawr College offers a diverse and engaging student life experience. The college has numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Students are actively involved in shaping campus culture, organizing events, and participating in initiatives that contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Bryn Mawr’s athletic program, known as the Owls, competes in NCAA Division III sports. Athletics at Bryn Mawr provide students with opportunities for physical fitness, teamwork, and a sense of camaraderie. The college’s commitment to holistic development extends to the athletic arena, emphasizing the importance of balance and well-being.
Alumni Success: Bryn Mawr College has a distinguished and accomplished alumni network. Graduates of Bryn Mawr can be found in various fields, including academia, business, law, science, and the arts. The college’s emphasis on empowering women leaders and fostering a commitment to social justice is evident in the achievements of its alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Social Justice and Civic Engagement: Bryn Mawr College places a strong emphasis on social justice and civic engagement. The college encourages students to actively participate in community service projects, engage in advocacy, and address issues related to equity and social change. The commitment to social justice aligns with Bryn Mawr’s mission to prepare students to be ethical leaders and contributors to a just and equitable society.
Bryn Mawr College stands as a beacon of academic excellence, sisterhood, and empowerment in women’s education. With its commitment to the liberal arts tradition, inclusivity, and a strong emphasis on research and global perspectives, Bryn Mawr continues to be a transformative force in shaping the educational experiences and future successes of its students.
101 N. Merion Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: (610) 526-5152
Email: admissions@brynmawr.edu
Web site: http://www.brynmawr.edu
Rankings: Bryn Mawr College
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA, Bryn Mawr College is one of the best universities in the state of Pennsylvania. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bryn Mawr College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bryn Mawr College.
Bryn Mawr College is consistently ranked among the most prestigious liberal arts colleges in the country. US News and World Report ranks Bryn Mawr as tied for the 24th best liberal arts college in the nation and tied for 3rd best among liberal arts colleges in the mid-Atlantic region. Forbes also ranks Bryn Mawr as one of America’s Top Colleges, with an overall score of 97 out of 100. The Princeton Review recognizes Bryn Mawr as one of its “Best Northeastern” colleges and one of its “Colleges That Pay You Back” due to their commitment to providing financial aid to their students. Additionally, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance names Bryn Mawr as one of its top 100 best values in private universities. These rankings speak to the quality education that Bryn Mawr provides and their commitment to making a college education accessible to all students regardless of financial background.
Bryn Mawr has also been recognized for its academic excellence by national publications such as The New York Times, which ranked Bryn Mawr as tied for #3 on its list of top liberal arts colleges in 2019. The Washington Monthly ranks Bryn Mawr at #20 on its list of best liberal arts colleges, citing the college’s excellent faculty-student ratio and student diversity. Finally, College Factual gives Bryn Mawr an overall ranking score of 96 out of 100, noting that it is a great value school with high graduation rates and low student loan default rates.
These rankings reflect not only the academic excellence that Bryn Mawr offers but also demonstrate their commitment to creating a diverse learning environment where all students can thrive academically regardless of background or financial status.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 25 |
| Score: | 77 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.0 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 38 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 93.5% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 86.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 89% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -3 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 42 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 69.2% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 2.6% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 8:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 90.1% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 28 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1200-1410 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 65% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 96% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 48.8% |
| Financial resources rank: | 24 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 29 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 40.6% |
Essential Facts: Bryn Mawr College
- Founded as a Quaker institution in 1885, Bryn Mawr is one of the Seven Sister colleges and the Tri-College Consortium. It was the first women’s college to offer graduate education through a PhD.
- Bryn Mawr was one of the first institutions of higher education in the United States to offer graduate degrees, including doctorates, to women.
- The College is a leader in academic innovation, with a particular focus on putting learning into action through research, fieldwork, community and social justice engagement, and internships.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 95% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 97% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | No |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, marching band, music ensembles, musical theater, radio station, student government, student newspaper, student film society, yearbook |