About - Vassar College

PresidentElizabeth Howe Bradley was inaugurated as Vassar’s 11th president on September 24, 2017. Visit the president’s website and follow her on Twitter at @ehbvassar. Board of Trustees

MissionThe mission of Vassar College is to make accessible “the means of a thorough, well-proportioned and liberal education” * that inspires each individual to lead a purposeful life. The College makes possible an education that promotes analytical, informed, and independent thinking and sound judgment; encourages articulate expression; and nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, respectful debate and engaged citizenship. Vassar supports a high standard of engagement in teaching and learning, scholarship and artistic endeavor; a broad and deep curriculum;

and a residential campus that fosters a learning community. Founded in 1861 to provide women an education equal to that once available only to men, Vassar is now open to all and strives to pursue diversity, inclusion, and equity as essential components of a rich intellectual and cultural environment in which all members, including those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, are valued and empowered to thrive. * From the College’s First Annual Catalogue

HistoryA pioneer for women’s education and liberal arts education in the United States, Matthew Vassar founded Vassar College in 1861. Opening its doors to its first class of 353 students paying $350 for tuition and “residence” on September 26, 1865, the college offered young women a liberal arts education equal to that of the best men’s colleges of the day. Coeducational since 1969, Vassar College set the standard for higher education for women for more than 100 years and now sets the standard for true coeducation. Recognized as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country, Vassar has successfully fulfilled its founder’s goals. Read more

Facts & Stats
- Students2456
- Faculty342
- Student:Faculty8:1
- Average AID Award$52K
- Majors51
- Varsity Teams 23
These figures are for the 2018/19 academic year.

Diversity and Inclusion InitiativesVassar is committed to working toward a more just, diverse, egalitarian, and inclusive college community where all members feel valued and are fully empowered to claim a place in—and responsibility for—our shared working, living, and learning. The college affirms the inherent value of a diverse campus and curriculum reflective of our lives as members of multiple local and global communities.

Campus Diversity Structures Committee

Committee on Inclusion and Equity

Engaged Pluralism: Belonging and Thriving at Vassar College

Strengthening Vassar

Student Growth and Engagement

SustainabilityThe Office of Sustainability oversees Vassar’s green initiatives, including efforts on reaching carbon neutrality, engaging students in sustainability initiatives, and reducing the environmental impact of the college’s operations. Learn more about sustainability at Vassar and download the Vassar Climate Action Plan.