Arlington, Va. — Marymount University has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading institutions for advancing women’s success, earning the No. 46 spot on America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, a new national ranking released by Newsweek in partnership with Gender Fair. Notably, Marymount ranked No. 1 among all 32 Virginia colleges and universities included on the list.
The inaugural list highlights colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment. Marymount was recognized among hundreds of colleges nationwide for fostering an environment where women are supported academically, professionally and personally.
“Through our academic programs and student support systems, we strive to ensure that all of our students can lead careers and lives of purpose,” said Dr. Michelle Walters-Edwards, Marymount’s Interim Provost. “We are proud to be a place where women and students from all backgrounds can receive an education that emphasizes career preparation and equips them to tackle the challenges facing our workforce on a regional and national level.”
Developed in partnership with Gender Fair and aligned with the Women’s Empowerment Principles, the ranking evaluates colleges across four critical areas: leadership, pay and policies, safety, and opportunity. Only institutions meeting specific criteria for size and academic roles were included, ensuring the results reflect meaningful progress toward gender equity in higher education.
Marymount earned an overall score of 74.1, with exceptional performance in key categories that underscore the University’s commitment to women’s success. The University received a Leadership Score of 93, reflecting strong representation of women in leadership and academic roles, and achieved a perfect Safety Score of 100, highlighting Marymount’s dedication to providing a safe and supportive campus environment.
“This recognition affirms Marymount’s long-standing mission to empower women as leaders, professionals and changemakers,” said Marymount President, Dr. Irma Becerra. “Being named the top-ranked institution in Virginia speaks to the intentional work we do every day to create equitable opportunities, prioritize student well-being and prepare all students for lifelong success.”
Unlike traditional rankings focused primarily on academic outcomes, America’s Best Colleges for Women offers a broader view of the college experience by examining how institutions support women both during and after college. The methodology draws on federally reported data from the U.S. Department of Education, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database, along with additional desk research.
As a Catholic university rooted in the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary tradition, Marymount has a long history of championing women’s education and leadership. This national recognition underscores the University’s continued commitment to equity, inclusion and student success.
The full America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list and methodology are available at newsweek.com.
