Mount Holyoke College
MHC
South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075-1489
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for biology
Mount Holyoke College is a private institution in South Hadley with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1422, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.2K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
85% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,418 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $29,562.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Lyons
History & Fun Facts
- •History Mary Lyon ivory miniature Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in 1837 Mount Holyoke was founded in 1837 by Mary Lyon as "Mount Holyoke Female Seminary".
- •By 1837 she had convinced multiple sponsors to support her ideals and the nation's first real college for women.
- •Mount Holyoke Female Seminary opened on November 8, 1837, in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
- •Mount Holyoke in 1887 Mount Holyoke Female Seminary was one of several Christian institutions of higher education for young women established during the first half of the 19th century.
- •She was also involved in the creation of Wheaton Female Seminary (now Wheaton College) in 1834.
Source: Wikipedia
Notable Alumni
Frances Perkins, Class of 1902
First female U.S. Cabinet member, Secretary of Labor under FDR, architect of Social Security
Emily Dickinson
Iconic American poet, attended Mount Holyoke Seminary (1847-1848)
Suzan-Lori Parks '85
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (Topdog/Underdog)
Elaine Chao '75
U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor
Virginia Apgar '29
Physician who created the Apgar Score for evaluating newborn health
Wendy Wasserstein '71
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright (The Heidi Chronicles)
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1422
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by January 1
Aid deadline: November 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
January 1
Decision by February 1
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by April 1
Reply by May 1
SAT/ACT scores are optional. Students may submit scores if they believe they reflect their academic abilities.
Mount Holyoke-specific supplemental essay required.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 1
Spring Transfer
November 1
Need-blind for transfer applicants. Full financial need met.
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
57.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,258
Academics
Distribution requirements across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics.
Research: Summer research fellowships and Lynk funding support student-faculty collaborative research.
Thesis: Senior thesis or capstone project available in most departments.
View all 41 majors›
Five College Consortium
Students can enroll in courses at any of the Five Colleges at no additional cost. Free bus service connects all campuses, located within a 10-mile radius.
Programs (45)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Consistently a top Fulbright-producing institution.
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Top Industries
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
Campus Life
The Lyons compete in 14 varsity sports. Strong equestrian program.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Each residence hall has its own distinct personality and traditions.
Dining
Dining services source from local farms and emphasize sustainable, seasonal ingredients.
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
15
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Consortium bus
Free PVTA bus service connecting all Five College campuses.
Amtrak
Amherst station on Connecticut River line (15 minutes); Springfield Union Station (35 minutes).
Walkability
800-acre campus with scenic grounds; most academic and residential buildings within walking distance. Village Commons shops walkable from campus.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Admission Office
50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075
Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm
Self-guided tour maps available at the Admission Office.
Nearby Attractions
The Village Commonswalkable
Shopping center in South Hadley with restaurants, shops, and a cinema.
Skinner State Park & Summit House
Scenic views from Mount Holyoke summit, popular hiking destination.
Hadley Farm Museum
Local history museum with farm artifacts and seasonal events.
Downtown Amherst
Vibrant college town with restaurants, bookstores, and cultural venues (10-minute drive or free bus).
Odyssey Bookshopwalkable
Independent bookstore in South Hadley Village Commons with author events.
Days out near South Hadley
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Springfield, from real bookable tour times.
See all days out →