Alverno College has been named one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, ranking fifth in the country. The inaugural recognition evaluates institutions nationwide on how effectively they support women students, faculty and leaders, highlighting colleges that foster leadership, opportunity and success. Alverno’s placement reflects its mission to prepare women for lives of personal and professional distinction and meaningful engagement with the world.
“This recognition affirms Alverno College’s intentional and sustained commitment to educating women as leaders and innovators,” said Christy L. Brown, JD, president of Alverno College. “Through our distinctive abilities-based approach, students graduate ready to excel professionally and contribute meaningfully. We are proud to be recognized among the nation’s leading colleges for women.”
America’s Best Colleges for Women is a ranking developed by Newsweek in partnership with Gender Fair to highlight institutions that support gender equality and empower women. The methodology is rooted in the Women’s Empowerment Principles and evaluates colleges across four key areas: leadership, pay and policies, safety and opportunity.
The ranking identifies colleges that have established the structural elements necessary to foster education and employment for women by drawing on data from the U.S. Department of Education—including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database—as well as additional desk research. Only institutions meeting specific criteria for size and academic roles are included, ensuring the results reflect meaningful progress toward gender equity in higher education.
“Choosing a college is a defining moment for many young women, and it’s about more than academics alone,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek. “America’s Best Colleges for Women highlights institutions that are making measurable progress in leadership, equity, safety, and opportunity, helping students identify environments where women are supported and positioned to succeed.”
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