Agnes Scott College

About Agnes Scott College

Agnes Scott College stands as one of America's preeminent women's colleges, offering an exceptional liberal arts education to approximately 898 students in the charming suburban community of Decatur, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Atlanta. Founded in 1889 and named for the mother of the college's principal benefactor, Agnes Scott has cultivated over 135 years of academic excellence, producing graduates who have become leaders in every field imaginable from science and medicine to arts, business, government, and social justice. The intimate campus features stunning Gothic and Victorian architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic buildings that create an inspiring environment for intellectual growth and personal transformation. As a women's college, Agnes Scott provides an empowering educational experience where women develop confidence, find their voices, and prepare to lead in a world that needs their perspectives and talents. The college's SUMMIT curriculum is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to leadership development, requiring all students to complete a global learning experience, develop a leadership portfolio, and engage in hands-on learning that prepares them for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. With close proximity to Atlanta, one of America's most dynamic cities, Agnes Scott students enjoy access to internships, cultural attractions, and professional networks while benefiting from the supportive community of a small, focused institution.

Admission to Agnes Scott College is selective, with the college seeking intellectually curious young women who will thrive in and contribute to the supportive, challenging community that defines the Agnes Scott experience. The acceptance rate of approximately 67% reflects the college's commitment to building diverse classes of talented students who bring varied perspectives, interests, and backgrounds to campus. Prospective students submit applications including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are available), personal essays, and letters of recommendation that together paint a picture of the applicant's academic preparation, personal qualities, and potential for growth. The admissions team takes a holistic approach, recognizing that grades and test scores are just part of what makes a student successful at Agnes Scott. Demonstrated interest through campus visits, interviews, and engagement with admissions counselors is valued, and prospective students are strongly encouraged to experience the campus community firsthand. International students are welcome and contribute to the global diversity of the student body, with English proficiency demonstrated through TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent assessments. Transfer students receive individualized evaluation of previous coursework for credit toward Agnes Scott degrees. The college offers early decision and early action options for students with Agnes Scott as a top choice, as well as regular decision for those considering multiple options. Financial aid applications are processed alongside admissions applications to provide timely awards.

The academic program at Agnes Scott College combines the enduring values of liberal arts education with innovative approaches to leadership development and career preparation through the nationally recognized SUMMIT curriculum. Students can choose from over 30 majors and 29 minors across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and creative arts, with each program designed to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical skills that transfer across careers and life circumstances. The SUMMIT experience requires every student to complete at least one global learning opportunity, whether study abroad, international research, or global immersion programs that provide firsthand experience with different cultures and perspectives. Popular majors include psychology, biology, English and creative writing, political science, neuroscience, and business management, each supported by faculty mentors who guide students through rigorous coursework and undergraduate research opportunities. The sciences are particularly strong at Agnes Scott, with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities where students conduct original research that leads to conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. The college's membership in the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education allows students to cross-register at nearby institutions including Emory University, Georgia Tech, and other partner schools to access specialized courses and resources. Academic support services including the writing center, quantitative learning center, and accessibility services ensure all students can achieve their potential.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Agnes Scott College creates a uniquely supportive and empowering community where women from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and prepare for lives of purpose and impact. The residential campus means most students live on campus throughout their college years, building deep friendships and developing leadership skills through extensive involvement in campus organizations and activities. With over 90 student organizations, Agnes Scott offers opportunities spanning academic interests, cultural expression, political engagement, community service, athletics, religious life, and special interests that allow every student to find her community and make meaningful contributions. The college maintains NCAA Division III athletic programs in basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, softball, and cross country, providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete while prioritizing academic achievement. Performing arts programs in theater, music, and dance offer creative outlets and public performance opportunities that develop confidence and artistic expression. The college's traditions, including Black Cat Week, Class Ring Ceremony, and Senior Investiture, create shared experiences that build lasting bonds among classmates and connect current students to generations of alumnae. Social activities include campus events, Atlanta outings, and gatherings that provide relief from academic demands while fostering community connections. Support services including counseling, health services, and career development ensure students have resources to thrive both during college and after graduation.

Location & Surroundings

Agnes Scott College enjoys an ideal location in Decatur, Georgia, a vibrant suburban community that has been recognized as one of America's most walkable small cities and a hub for dining, arts, and independent businesses. The campus sits just six miles from downtown Atlanta, providing students with easy access to one of America's most dynamic metropolitan areas with its world-class cultural attractions, Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods. The Decatur MARTA rail station adjacent to campus connects Agnes Scott to the entire Atlanta metropolitan area, making internships, entertainment, and exploration convenient without requiring a car. Downtown Decatur's charming square features local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and entertainment venues within walking distance of campus, creating an ideal college town atmosphere. Atlanta offers students access to internships and career opportunities with companies including Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, CNN, and hundreds of other major employers headquartered in the region. Cultural attractions include the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony, Fox Theatre, and numerous festivals that celebrate the city's diverse communities. The climate features mild winters and warm summers typical of the Southeast, with abundant sunshine and outdoor activities available year-round. The Atlanta airport, one of the world's busiest, provides convenient connections for students traveling from across the country and around the world.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Agnes Scott College is committed to making its transformative education accessible through comprehensive financial aid that meets the demonstrated need of admitted students. Over 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the college providing institutional scholarships, grants, federal and state assistance, and work-study opportunities that significantly reduce the cost of attendance. Merit scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, and special talents, with awards that can substantially reduce the published tuition price. The college provides transparent cost information and financial aid counseling to help families understand the true cost of attendance and plan for their educational investment. Living costs in Decatur are moderate for a major metropolitan area, with on-campus housing and meal plans providing convenient and reasonably priced options. Career outcomes for Agnes Scott graduates are exceptional, with the college's emphasis on leadership development and experiential learning translating into strong employment and graduate school placement rates. The Atlanta location provides abundant internship opportunities that help students build professional experience before graduation, often leading to full-time employment. Alumnae have achieved distinction in medicine, law, science, business, education, arts, government, and social justice, with a network that spans the globe and supports current students and recent graduates. Graduate and professional school acceptance rates are particularly strong, with Agnes Scott graduates attending medical schools, law schools, and doctoral programs at top institutions nationwide.