Mills College

Think for Yourself and for the World

A Mills education prepares students to dream big and achieve even more. Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Mills College emboldens students to be creative, independent thinkers. Consistently ranked one of the top 10 colleges in the West by U.S. News and World Report and one of the best colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review, Mills provides a transformative education that will empower graduates to make a statement in their careers and communities.

Be Empowered for Success

At Mills, students reap the benefits of a highly personalized education led by renowned faculty in small, interactive classes that spark informed debate, insightful questioning, and respectful listening. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio will enable students to work closely with their professors who are fiercely dedicated to teaching and mentoring. Nearly 75 percent of Mills faculty hold the highest degrees in their field; approximately 70 percent are women; over one-third are faculty of color; and 23 percent identify as LGBTQ+.

Outside the classroom, students collaborate with professors and peers in one-of-a-kind creative and research opportunities, such as presenting at conferences, staging performances, contributing to original research, or curating art exhibitions. It’s all part of the signature academic experience MPOWER. Students start their academic journey with the support of an academic success team as they choose from a variety of majors and minors. They learn how to lead, get active in community-based learning projects, and prepare to pursue a career that aligns with their passions.

Students can even get a jump on the job market by earning an advanced degree with typically only one additional year of study. They can earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in less time in one of 10 fields: BA/MAE applied economics, BA/MBA business administration, BA/MM management, BA/MA interdisciplinary computer science, BA/MA early childhood education, BA/MA early childhood special education/teaching credential, BA/MA education/teaching credential, BA/MA infant mental health, BA/MPP public policy, and BA/Joint MPP/MBA.

Enjoy a World of Opportunity

Situated on 135 lush acres in the Oakland foothills, Mills is one of the country’s largest liberal arts campuses in an urban setting. Be at the center of it all by living on campus in one of the historic residence halls or independent living options. First-year students join a themed housing community so they can make friends fast.

Students can also get involved by joining one of the 40-plus student-run clubs, write for the student newspaper, take Zumba or karate classes, and just hang out at the outdoor pool. Find strength by joining one of the College’s NCAA Division III sports teams in cross-country, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, or volleyball. If students can’t find an organization that speaks to them, no problem! Many students start their own club or organization and begin putting their leadership skills to work.

As part of the Mills community, students soon discover firsthand why Mills has an international reputation for art that pushes boundaries and creates new forms of expression. From the 10,000+ works in the on-campus art museum, to the cutting-edge contemporary music performances in the majestic concert hall, to the literary readings and open mic nights, it will be clear why Mills is recognized as a hub for emerging ideas in the visual, performing, and literary arts.

Located in Oakland, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States, Mills is centrally located to all the Bay Area has to offer. Students take full advantage of our metropolitan area, enjoying the First Friday gallery crawls, hiking through regional parks, and eating at some of the best food trucks and farmers’ markets in the country. Beyond Oakland, students explore all the Bay Area’s offerings, including Ocean Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art—plus internship and employment opportunities with arts organizations, healthcare providers, socially responsible businesses, tech giants, and nonprofits.

Take Advantage of Financial Support

Mills was founded in 1852 to provide educational opportunities to women, defying the convention of the time. Today, they are committed to providing access to their top-ranked education to even more students and have reduced undergraduate tuition by 36 percent to make that possible.

More than 80 percent of Mills students receive some form of financial aid to help support their education. Undergraduate students may be awarded up to $10,000 a year in renewable merit scholarships. The financial aid staff will work with students and their families/support systems to help them explore all financial aid options.

Make a Statement

Mills graduates are change makers, risk takers, and leaders in their fields. Some work for global innovators like Bay Area’s Google and Facebook, while others push boundaries in arts and sciences, establish nonprofits and businesses, and shape government policy. Mills boasts more than 25,000 alumnae in over 60 countries, with over 90 percent of recent graduates employed or pursuing higher education. Graduates work in a wide range of organizations including Amazon, Apple, Electronic Arts, NPR, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Microsoft, Kiva, and Yelp. Mills invites others to join this legacy of success.