Hardwick-Day, Inc. Study Compares
Women’s Colleges, Co-ed Liberal Arts Colleges, and Public Universities

Among the most notable findings, women’s colleges scored higher than co-ed liberal arts colleges and public universities at being “extremely effective” in helping their graduates to

• Develop self-confidence and initiative (62% compared to 42% and 41%)
• Have a sense of purpose in life (53% compared to 43% and 24%)
• Place problems in social and historical perspective (46% compared to 29% and 13%)
• Develop moral principles that can guide actions (48% compared to 38% and 13%)
• Develop the ability to learn new skills (58% compared to 43% and 33%)
• Be politically and socially aware (42% compared to 30% and 18%)
• Think creatively (53% compared to 46% and 35%)
• Speak effectively (44% compared to 31% and 19%)
• Write effectively (59% compared to 44% and 29%)
• Work as part of a team (47% compared to 36% and 28%)
• Think analytically (54% compared to 48% and 26%)
• Relate to people of different backgrounds (52% compared to 40% and 30%)
• Solve problems and make effective decisions (54%, compared to 38% and 27%)
• Be prepared for their first job (43% compared to 32% and 24%)
• Be prepared for career change or advancement (43% compared to 28% and19%)

Compared to their peers at coeducational liberal arts colleges and public universities, more women’s college graduates reported to have

• Completed their degrees in four years or less (85% compared to 83% and 55%)
• Benefited greatly from a “high quality, teaching-oriented faculty” (74% compared to 66% and 35%
• Earned graduate degrees (53% compared to 38% and 28%)

Debunking common myths that large universities offer superior facilities and access to equipment and research opportunities, 54% of women’s college graduates said they “benefited very much from good academic facilities and equipment,” compared to only 31% at public universities; and 57% of women’s college graduates reported participating in faculty-directed research or independent study, compared to 36% of women from public universities.

“The study’s results reinforce what we already know—that Converse and other women’s colleges serve as incubators for real-world success and are tremendously successful in developing the whole person, ensuring personal and professional achievement, fulfillment and balance throughout a graduate’s lifetime,” stated Converse President Betsy Fleming. “Converse’s top priority is to deliver a personalized, distinct and excellent educational experience – both in and out of the classroom – that fosters creative and innovative thinking and learning.”

The complete Hardwick-Day survey results are available at the Women’s College Coalition website.