Mills College History, Merger and Legacy | Mills College at Northeastern University

Mills College, founded in 1852 as the first women’s college west of the Rockies, has a long legacy of pioneering women’s education, social justice, and academic innovation. Originally an independent liberal arts institution in Oakland, California, Mills became known for its small class sizes, inclusive learning environment, and trailblazing programs such as the first computer science major at a women’s college and a Women in Science program.

In 2022, Mills merged with Northeastern University, transforming into Mills College at Northeastern University, a gender-inclusive institution that retains its core values while benefiting from Northeastern’s global resources. The scenic campus, renowned alumni, and enduring commitment to equity and leadership remain central to its identity, even amid legal and cultural shifts following the merger.

Mills College: A Legacy of Education and Evolution

Mills College, a historically significant institution in American higher education, has a rich and storied past, marked by its pioneering role as the first women’s college west of the Rocky Mountains. While its independent journey concluded with a merger in 2022, its legacy continues as Mills College at Northeastern University, upholding its foundational values within a new, expanded framework.

A Pioneering History

Founded in 1852 in Benicia, California, as a young ladies’ seminary, the institution moved to its scenic Oakland campus in 1871 and was chartered as a college in 1885. Named after its early owners, Cyrus and Susan Mills, the college quickly established itself as a beacon of education for women. Notably, a 1990 attempt to transition to a coeducational model was met with significant protest, leading the college to maintain its single-sex undergraduate status for several more decades.

Academics: Tradition Meets Modernity

Prior to the merger, Mills College was celebrated for its independent liberal arts curriculum, offering bachelor’s degrees primarily to women and graduate degrees to both men and women. It gained recognition for its focus on social justice, women’s leadership, and innovative programs. Mills was a trailblazer, being the first women’s college to offer a computer science major, and it provided an engineering program in collaboration with other regional colleges. The college fostered a collaborative learning environment with small class sizes, flexible programs, and opportunities for study abroad and exchange programs, including a dedicated Women in Science program established in 1972.

Today, as Mills College at Northeastern University, it continues to offer a growing range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students now benefit from the extensive resources, faculty expertise, and global network of Northeastern University, while the Oakland campus retains its unique Californian perspective and commitment to advancing equity, social impact, and women’s leadership.

Current academic offerings include graduate programs in Education (Early Childhood, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, Educational Leadership) and various undergraduate and graduate courses across Business & Management Studies, Engineering, and Science. For international students, first-year tuition fees for undergraduate courses are approximately USD 63,949, and for postgraduate courses, they range from USD 32,504 to USD 32,670.

A Verdant Campus and Vibrant Life

The 135-acre campus, nestled in the Oakland foothills, is renowned for its picturesque Spanish-style architecture, featuring white buildings with red roofs amidst meadows and wooded areas. It functions as a green oasis, often likened to an arboretum, with identified trees and a nature trail along Leona Creek. Notable architectural gems include Mills Hall and the iconic Bell Tower, designed by Julia Morgan.

Campus life offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. On-campus housing is available for both undergraduate and graduate students, including accommodations for students with disabilities. The campus provides a safe environment, supported by security measures, and a shuttle service, along with a bus card, connects students to the vibrant urban community of Oakland. The Mills College Art Museum, housed in a 1925 building designed by Walter Ratcliff Jr., boasts a significant collection, particularly strong in prints, drawings, photography, California paintings, and textiles.

Notable Alumni

Mills College has produced a distinguished roster of alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. Among them are:

• Laurie Anderson (Performance artist and musician)
• Dave Brubeck (Jazz musician and composer)
• Sofia Coppola (Film director)
• Olivia de Havilland (Actress)
• Barbara Lee (U.S. Representative)
• Joanna Newsom (Musician)
• Steve Reich (Composer)

The Merger with Northeastern University

On June 30, 2022, Mills College officially merged with Northeastern University, marking a significant transformation in its 170-year history. This strategic alliance established Mills College at Northeastern University, making the Oakland campus gender-inclusive and integrating it into Northeastern’s global university system. The merger aimed to secure Mills’ future while preserving its enduring commitment to social justice, gender equity, and women’s leadership through the creation of the Mills Institute. While the transition has brought new opportunities, it also led to a class-action lawsuit with former students, which was settled for $1.25 million, addressing claims of being misled regarding the merger’s impact.

The evolution of Mills College reflects the dynamic landscape of higher education, balancing a cherished legacy with a forward-looking vision to prepare students for impactful lives in a changing world.

FAQs about Mills College at Northeastern University

What is Mills College now called?
Mills College is now known as Mills College at Northeastern University following its merger with Northeastern in 2022.

Where is Mills College located?
Mills College is located in Oakland, California, nestled in the scenic Oakland foothills.

When was Mills College founded?
Mills College was originally founded in 1852 as the Young Ladies Seminary in Benicia, California.

When did Mills College become a college?
It was chartered as a college in 1885 after relocating to Oakland in 1871.

When did Mills College merge with Northeastern University?
The merger was finalized on June 30, 2022.

Why did Mills College merge with Northeastern University?
The merger aimed to secure Mills’ future and preserve its commitment to equity, social justice, and women’s leadership while expanding access to global resources.

Is Mills College still a women’s college?
No, Mills College is now gender-inclusive, although it retains its historical focus on women’s leadership and social equity.

What programs are offered at Mills College at Northeastern University?
Programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education, Business & Management, Engineering, and Science.

Are graduate programs at Mills College coeducational?
Yes, graduate programs have long been coeducational and continue to be open to all genders.

Does Mills College still emphasize women’s leadership?
Yes, despite becoming gender-inclusive, Mills continues to emphasize women’s leadership, equity, and social impact.

What is the tuition fee for international students at Mills College?
First-year undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 63,949; postgraduate tuition ranges from USD 32,504 to USD 32,670.

What is the campus of Mills College like?
The 135-acre campus features Spanish-style architecture, wooded areas, nature trails, and a peaceful, arboretum-like setting.

Is housing available at Mills College?
Yes, both undergraduate and graduate students can access on-campus housing, including accessible options for students with disabilities.

Is there student transportation at Mills College?
Yes, there is a campus shuttle service and students receive a bus card for transit access in Oakland.

Does Mills College have an art museum?
Yes, the Mills College Art Museum houses an impressive collection, especially strong in photography, prints, California paintings, and textiles.

What notable alumni graduated from Mills College?
Notable alumni include Sofia Coppola, Laurie Anderson, Barbara Lee, Dave Brubeck, Joanna Newsom, Steve Reich, and Olivia de Havilland.

What happened during the 1990 coeducation protest at Mills?
In 1990, plans to admit men into the undergraduate program sparked major protests, leading the college to remain women-only for several more decades.

Does Mills College still maintain its historical values?
Yes, through the Mills Institute and academic mission, the college continues to uphold values of gender equity, inclusion, and social justice.

What is the Mills Institute?
The Mills Institute was established to preserve the legacy and mission of Mills College after the merger, focusing on leadership, equity, and innovation.

Was there a lawsuit related to the Mills-Northeastern merger?
Yes, former students filed a class-action lawsuit claiming they were misled about the merger’s impact; it was settled for $1.25 million.

Can international students apply to Mills College at Northeastern?
Yes, international students are welcome and can apply to undergraduate and graduate programs offered on the Oakland campus.

What types of degrees does Mills College at Northeastern offer?
It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees in a variety of fields through Northeastern’s academic system.

Is the Mills College campus open to the public?
Yes, the campus is accessible, and its natural areas, art museum, and historic architecture are appreciated by visitors.

How is Mills College connected to Northeastern University?
It is a fully integrated campus within Northeastern’s global university system, benefiting from shared resources and faculty.

Does Mills College still offer liberal arts education?
While now part of Northeastern, Mills continues to value liberal arts alongside STEM and professional programs, maintaining a balanced curriculum.