
50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, USA


Mount Holyoke College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring that it meets established standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. This accreditation signifies that the college adheres to rigorous peer-reviewed criteria, which is important for students seeking a credible and recognized degree. Additionally, the college's programs are regularly evaluated to maintain compliance with NECHE's requirements, providing prospective students with assurance regarding the institution's commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence.
Admission to Mount Holyoke College requires completion of a secondary school record and demonstration of college-level preparation. Applicants must have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if applicable, although a high school diploma is typically expected. Submission of recommendations is also mandated, reflecting the college's holistic review process. English proficiency must be proven through the TOEFL exam, while additional testing beyond this is recommended though not compulsory. The college does not have an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or general college credit; however, it does grant credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Mount Holyoke College does not require applicants to provide a computer but offers options to lease one if needed. Academic performance indicators such as secondary school GPA and class rank are not publicly specified as requirements.
The college reports a highly competitive applicant pool. It admits roughly 38% of its applicants, placing its acceptance rate among the lowest 10% nationwide. The average SAT score of admitted students is 1405, ranking in the top 5% nationally, with strong performance across math and writing components. The average ACT composite score is 33, similarly positioned in the top 5%. A significant majority of enrolled students-over 80%-achieve ACT scores below 36 but above 29.
The number of applications is moderate, totalling slightly over 5,000 individuals, predominantly women, consistent with the college's historic profile. The enrolled class typically comprises just under 600 students, reflective of selective admission standards and planned institutional size.
Mount Holyoke College charges a nonrefundable application fee that prospective students must pay when submitting their admissions materials. The fee is intended to cover administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the college provides fee waivers for applicants who demonstrate financial need to ensure the application process remains accessible to all students, regardless of economic background. To obtain a fee waiver, students typically need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which often include participation in certain programs or verification from a counselor or eligible school official. These waivers are designed to help reduce financial barriers and encourage a diverse applicant pool.
Mount Holyoke College does not host its own ROTC branch unit on campus. Instead, students interested in participating in ROTC programs can do so through a cooperating host institution. This arrangement allows students to engage in ROTC training and related activities at a nearby university that supports these programs while remaining enrolled at Mount Holyoke College.
Mount Holyoke College maintains a notably selective admissions process, reflected in the classification of its entrance difficulty as very difficult. The institution welcomes transfer applications primarily for the fall and spring semesters, providing prospective students with these key opportunities to join the college. Importantly, Mount Holyoke College does accept transfer credits, allowing students to apply previously earned academic credits toward their degree program. However, specific information on acceptance of credit by examination programs such as CLEP or DANTES is not publicly available.
Mount Holyoke College offers a diverse array of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic and cultural experiences of its students. Programs vary widely, allowing participants to immerse themselves in different languages, disciplines, and regions around the world. Students can choose from faculty-led short-term programs, semester or year-long exchanges, and independent study options tailored to their academic goals.
The college maintains partnerships with institutions across multiple continents, providing access to established programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These collaborations enable students to engage in rigorous coursework while experiencing local cultures firsthand.
Additionally, Mount Holyoke College supports customized study abroad plans, where students work with advisors to create a personalized itinerary that aligns with their curricular interests and career aspirations. This flexibility encourages exploration beyond traditional study abroad models.
The college also emphasizes support services for students abroad, including pre-departure orientations, in-country resources, and re-entry programs to help integrate international experiences into their academic and personal development.
Median composite SAT score
1405Median composite ACT score
33Percent of students submitting ACT scores
2%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
13%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring