Cottey College

Cottey offers associate and bachelor’s degrees with a focus on liberal arts and pre-professional programs. The most popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Biology, though the college also emphasizes Business Administration, Education, and Environmental Studies. Small class sizes and a 10:1 student-faculty ratio create an intimate learning environment. Unique to Cottey is its international student body (20% of students), which enriches classroom discussions with global perspectives. The college participates in the College Consortium, allowing students to take pre-approved transfer courses for additional flexibility.

Life at Cottey revolves around women’s empowerment and progressive values, with a campus culture that’s vibrant and tradition-heavy. Key quirks:

• Ducks and daisies are unofficial mascots, symbolizing resilience and growth.
• 84% of students live on campus in suite-style dorms that foster tight-knit communities (one student raves: 'It’s very apartment style... you really get close with all the girls around you').
• 25+ clubs and organizations range from cultural groups to academic societies, with a strong emphasis on global awareness.
• Annual traditions include the Hanging of the Greens (a holiday decorating ceremony) and frequent singing events that bond classes across generations.

Cottey’s 6-year graduation rate is 53-61%, placing it in the top 45% nationally for retention. Alumni earnings are modest but climb steadily:

• $22,183 median income 1 year post-graduation
• $38,805 median income 5 years out (though this lags behind the national average for 4-year colleges).

The college emphasizes leadership and global citizenship, with many graduates pursuing careers in education, nonprofit work, or STEM fields. Notably, 40% of students graduate within 150% of the expected time (3 years for associate degrees), suggesting some students take longer to complete their programs.

Cottey is relatively affordable for a private college, with a net price of $13,805-$17,296 after aid. Key details:

• 100% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $30,627.
• Merit scholarships range from $8,000 to full tuition, awarded at admission.
• The college offers grants, work-study programs, and loan counseling to minimize debt. One standout: the Student Life Scholarship, awarded annually to three returning students who demonstrate leadership and engagement.

Cottey’s magic lies in its unapologetic focus on women’s leadership within a quirky, tradition-rich community. It’s one of only two non-sectarian women’s colleges in the U.S., offering a rare blend of global perspectives (thanks to its international student body) and Midwestern warmth. The college punches above its weight in undergraduate research opportunities, and its alumnae network is ferociously loyal—a testament to the lifelong bonds formed over duck-themed rituals and late-night suite chats. For students seeking a small, supportive environment where they can grow into confident leaders, Cottey delivers in ways bigger schools simply can’t.