Mount Saint Mary College has been named to the inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 by Newsweek.
Developed in partnership with Gender Fair, an organization that measures gender equity, the ranking highlights higher education institutions across the United States that actively support gender equality and empower women. The list assesses institutions using data from the U.S. Department of Education across four critical categories: leadership, pay and policies, safety, and opportunity.
“Choosing a college is about more than academics – it’s about finding a place to thrive, to lead, and to build the foundation for a successful future,” noted Newsweek in its announcement of the 2026 rankings.
The publication noted that the chosen institutions actively prioritize leadership opportunities, campus safety, equitable practices, and meaningful pathways to long-term career success for women.
To determine the rankings, Newsweek and Gender Fair analyzed federally reported statistics, including data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database.
Mount Saint Mary College’s inclusion reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, secure, and supportive campus culture.
In 2024, the Mount was named the best college in the nation for women in STEM by Washington Monthly College Guide, in the category of undergraduate Mathematics. The Mount was ranked number one in the nation for undergraduate Mathematics, with women accounting for 73.1 percent of the college’s recent Mathematics graduates.
Mount Saint Mary College is a coeducational liberal arts college located in Newburgh, N.Y. Founded by the Sisters of Saint Dominic in 1959, the college offers highly regarded programs in nursing, education, business, and the liberal arts, preparing students for lives of leadership and service.