Stephens College

Stephens College is one of the oldest all women's educational institutions in the country, having spent more than 180 years "empowering women to be independent and show that we can change the world." (Note that the school's BFA program has included a few undergraduate men.) Class sizes are very small, so it makes for "a very intensive learning experience," but luckily the programs here are "so awesome and creative, no Stephens woman is ever bored." The fashion program is wildly popular and an annual fashion show is one of the school's most anticipated events, and a strong theater program "consistently produces great performers." "Although we are small, we are mighty," says a student. "It feels like a warm hug every day on campus."

Stephens is "blessed" to have an incredible teaching staff. "By creating an amazing and comfortable environment to learn in and ask questions, we are set up to succeed in our futures," says a student. "They also make class time meaningful and always worth going." "You hit up your favorite professors...during their office hours and catch up with them the same way you caught up with your friends in the morning over coffee," says a student. All professors "make time to work with you on a personal level" both inside and outside of the classroom and "include lesson plans for every type of learner," taking time for the experts and the newbies no matter their skill level. Each student gets an adviser in their department who is "attentive to their needs and goals," and the student body and staff "have amazing communication amongst each other" as well.

This community of "inspiring, supportive and motivating women" is "a melting pot of women" where everyone "appreciates the outcasts and black sheep." There are no cookiecutter college groups here, and a quick survey of the campus will reveal a group of "genuine" women who embody what they love, and whether that means "wearing riding boots, stage makeup, or toting a way too heavy light kit, students are always working on something and looking to achieve their dreams." "We come from literally all over the world. It's such a welcoming, diverse atmosphere," says one girl. Unsurprisingly, feminism "runs strong" here and Stephens is also a "very liberal LGBT+ friendly" place. "Imagine if Katniss from The Hunger Games, Rey from Star Wars, Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Hermione from Harry Potter, and Tris from The Hunger Games all went to school together," says a student. "Yeah, it's that."

Stephens 'Susies' "enjoy having a great time, but realize when it is time to study." Schoolsponsored events can be as frequent as two to four in a day with big events (such as "Half the Sky Day, Citizen Jane, and Diversity Week") happening once or twice a week. When students "aren't throwing little parties or fighting the good fight, we just chill." People enjoy "making meals together in the community kitchens" or at an on-campus apartment, and the lobbies have TVs so "self-organized movie nights are popular," as well. Some dorm halls "could use a bit of an update," but all speak lovingly of the "cozy" hallway parties and ensuing friendships. Also of note: the school allows pets on campus.

Most girls are committed to multiple clubs or sports, as "you'd have to go out of your way to not participate in something." Columbia itself is a great three-college town filled with everything from "awesome food joints like Gumby's Pizza and art galleries, clubs/bars, Saturday college football games, arcades, geek/novelty stores, and much more." Students like to go out and shop, hit the bars (if they're of age), or just go hiking or exploring the local caves and trails surrounding the city.