Recognized by Newsweek for leadership, safety, and equity, Mary Baldwin University secures its spot as a premier national destination for women’s education.
Mary Baldwin University has been recognized as a top national institution for women’s success, landing at #2 in the state of Virginia in Newsweek’s inaugural list of “America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026”. In addition to its state ranking, MBU earned the distinction of being the #92 college for women in the nation.
The ranking, developed in partnership with Gender Fair, evaluates institutions based on their commitment to gender equality and the structural elements they have in place to support women’s education and professional advancement.
Understanding the Methodology: How MBU Stands Out
Unlike many traditional collegiate rankings that focus on selectivity or endowment size, Newsweek’s “Best Colleges for Women” utilizes data from the U.S. Department of Education — specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database — to measure institutional equity.
The methodology scores colleges across four key pillars, each weighted to reflect its importance in creating an environment where women can thrive:
- Leadership (35%): This category measures the visibility and representation of women in high-level roles, including the proportion of women among full, associate, and assistant professors. MBU’s high score in this area reflects a campus where women serve as primary role models and decision-makers.
- Pay and Policies (25%): This pillar examines the ratio of women’s-to-men’s pay in academic roles, as well as the presence of support systems that help eliminate barriers for both female faculty and students.
- Safety (20%): Using public data on crimes against women and hate crimes, this category ensures that recognized institutions provide a secure environment where students can focus on their education.
- Opportunity (20%): This metric evaluates how colleges provide pathways for success to a broad range of students and faculty, including the proportion of students receiving Pell Grants and the diversity of the faculty.
A Legacy Continued
The Newsweek ranking is based on metrics derived from the Women’s Empowerment Principles, ensuring that recognized colleges are those that have put in place the structural elements required for gender equality.
For Mary Baldwin University, being ranked among the top 100 colleges nationally is a testament to its long-standing mission of women’s empowerment. By excelling in leadership representation and campus safety, MBU continues to prove itself as a premier destination for students seeking an environment designed for women’s leadership and lifelong achievement.