Vassar

Vassar College is a private liberal arts college located in Poughkeepsie, New York, on the east bank of the Hudson River. It was founded in 1861 by philanthropist Matthew Vassar as a women’s college with a broad, nonsectarian curriculum, at a time when higher education opportunities for women were limited. The college became coeducational in 1969 and has operated as an independent undergraduate institution since then.

Academics at Vassar encompass a wide range of majors across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The college is known for its flexible, student-centered approach to learning, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary study and undergraduate research. The curriculum supports independent inquiry and opportunities for cross-department collaboration, study abroad, and experiential learning.

The campus is residential and encompasses a blend of historic and contemporary facilities. Vassar serves a diverse undergraduate population and provides a range of student services, resources for research, arts, and extracurricular activities, and extensive study-abroad programs. The institution maintains accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

As a private, nonsectarian college, Vassar emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creative expression, and global perspectives. It maintains a reputation for rigorous scholarship and a commitment to accessibility through financial aid and robust academic programs, while focusing on preparing students for further study, professional careers, and informed civic engagement.