The History of Women at Princeton University

For much of its history, Princeton University had the reputation of being an “old-boys' school.” Starting in the fall of 1969, Princeton became co-educational, and eight women transfer students graduated in June 1970, with slightly greater numbers graduating in the two subsequent years. Women who matriculated as freshmen in 1969 graduated in the Class of 1973, the first undergraduate class that included women for all four undergraduate years. However, the first steps towards co-education came as early as 1887, with the founding of Evelyn College. From its inception, this women's institution was associated with Princeton University, and it was hoped that the link would be similar to the Radcliffe and Harvard University relationship. Unfortunately, Evelyn College closed in 1897, due to financial problems and a lack of support from Princeton.

Vanessa Snowden ‘04

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Related Sources

Committee on the Education of Women at Princeton Records, 1955-1969

Concerned Alumni of Princeton Records, 1970-1979

The Daily Princetonian (Student newspaper)

Historical Photograph Collection, Campus Life Series, c. 1850-2010

Historical Subject Files Collection, 1746-2013

Arthur J. Horton Collection on Coeducation, 1968-1980

Office of the President: William G. Bowen Subgroup, 1940-1998

Office of the President Records: Robert F. Goheen Subgroup, 1924-1988

Office of the Provost Records, 1953-2001

Princeton Alumni Weekly Photograph Collection, c. 1968-c. 2001

Willis M. Rivinus Papers on the Sally Frank Case, 1979-1991