Scripps College: Top Women’s Liberal Arts College for Empowerment and Excellence

Scripps College, a premier women’s liberal arts institution founded in 1926 by Ellen Browning Scripps in Claremont, California, is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary education, academic excellence, and women’s empowerment.

As part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Scripps offers access to a broad academic network while maintaining small class sizes and personalized learning. The college emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and global awareness through strong programs in the humanities and STEM, with significant research and study abroad opportunities.

Its student body is diverse in race, geography, and socioeconomic background, and traditions like the Ivy Chain and Scripps Tea foster community. With a competitive admissions process, generous financial aid, a picturesque campus, and a legacy of accomplished alumnae, Scripps continues to cultivate confident, courageous, and hopeful women leaders.

Category	Details
Founded	1926 by Ellen Browning Scripps
Location	Claremont, California
Type	Private Women’s Liberal Arts College
Consortium	Member of The Claremont Colleges
Student-Faculty Ratio	10:1 to 11:1
Average Class Size	16 students
Popular Majors	Biology, Political Science, Psychology, Media Studies
STEM Achievement	Highest % of STEM degrees among U.S. women’s colleges
Acceptance Rate	~28%–34% (Transfers ~11%)
Test Scores (Avg.)	SAT: 1420–1530, ACT: 32–34 (Test-optional)
Financial Aid	58% receive need-based aid
Diversity	~49% students of color; ~40% from California; students from 44 states & 15 countries
Campus Highlights	Mediterranean architecture, Denison Library, Tiernan Field House, The Motley
Notable Traditions	Ivy Chain, Scripps Tea, Ring Ceremony, Matriculating In/Out
Alumnae	Gabby Giffords, Alison Saar, Elizabeth Turk, Jeanne DuPrau, Molly Ivins
Endowment (2019)	~$380 million (Total net assets: $513 million)

Scripps College: A Legacy of Women’s Education and Empowerment

Scripps College, founded in 1926 by journalist and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, stands as a premier women’s liberal arts college in Claremont, California. A distinguished member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Scripps is renowned for its commitment to interdisciplinary education, a vibrant intellectual community, and a picturesque campus often cited as one of the most beautiful in the nation.

A Rich History and Founding Principles

Ellen Browning Scripps, a visionary woman ahead of her time, considered Scripps College her “crown jewel.” Her founding philosophy emphasized the development of students’ ability “to think clearly and independently, and the ability to live confidently, courageously, and hopefully,” a sentiment still inscribed on the college’s Honnold Gate. Scripps was established to provide women with an exceptional education, a mission it continues to uphold with vigor.

Academic Excellence and Programs

Scripps College offers a diverse array of undergraduate degrees, fostering critical thinking and intellectual breadth. Popular majors include Biology, Political Science, Psychology, and Media Studies. The college is notably accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and boasts a higher percentage of conferred STEM degrees than any other women’s college in the nation. Students benefit from:

Interdisciplinary Focus: The Humanities Institute, founded in 1986, exemplifies this approach by presenting thematic programs each semester that bring together scholars for conferences, lectures, exhibitions, performances, and film series.

Small Class Sizes: With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 (or 11:1 depending on the specific year’s data), Scripps fosters a personalized learning environment and close relationships between students and faculty. The average class size is 16 students.

Consortium Benefits: As part of The Claremont Colleges, Scripps students can take courses and access resources from institutions like Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College, significantly expanding their academic and social opportunities.

Research and Study Abroad: Scripps offers robust research opportunities and study abroad programs to further enhance the academic experience.

Student Body and Demographics

Scripps College maintains a diverse and engaged student body.

• Gender: As a women’s college, Scripps College has a predominantly female student body.
• Race/Ethnicity: Approximately 49% of students identify as non-white or students of color. Recent data indicates the following breakdown: 51% White, 19% Hispanic or Latino, 12% Asian, 5% Black or African American, 8% two or more races, and less than 1% for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native.
• Geographic Distribution: Students hail from all over the United States and various international locations, with around 40% from California and the rest representing 44 states and 15 countries.
• Socioeconomic Diversity: Around 58% of undergraduate students receive need-based financial aid, contributing to socioeconomic diversity.
• Political Leanings (Student Opinion): While a range of political views exists, student polls suggest a significant portion identify as liberal (60%) to very liberal (20%).

Admissions and Financial Aid

Scripps College is a selective institution.

Acceptance Rate: The overall acceptance rate has hovered around 27.9% to 34% in recent years, with a transfer acceptance rate of approximately 11%.

Standardized Test Scores: For admitted students, average SAT scores typically range between 1420-1530 and ACT scores between 32-34. Scripps has a test-optional admission policy but considers submitted scores.

Financial Aid: Scripps College offers need-based financial aid in the form of federal, state, and institutional grants, employment, and federal and institutional loans. Aid awards generally remain consistent but may vary based on changes in cost of attendance and family financial circumstances. International students who are awarded need-based financial aid at admission will have their award renewed for up to 8 semesters, provided they maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Campus Facilities and Life

The Scripps campus is renowned for its charming Mediterranean-style architecture and lush landscaping, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Key facilities and aspects of campus life include:

• Academic and Administrative Buildings: Beautifully designed buildings house classrooms, faculty offices, and administrative departments.
• Tiernan Field House: Offers extensive fitness facilities, including Technogym and LifeFitness equipment, free weights, functional equipment, and dedicated rooms for yoga, martial arts, and group fitness. It also supports women’s soccer and lacrosse programs with a field turf.
• Denison Library: A central hub, with a tradition of matriculating first-year students processing through its east door and signing their class book, and graduating seniors exiting through the same doors on Commencement Day.
• Campus Venues: Scripps provides a variety of spaces for events, including banquets (250-600 capacity), theaters (107-626 capacity), lecture halls (80-210 capacity), conference/meeting rooms (8-30 capacity), outdoor spaces (50-500 capacity), and classrooms (20-48 capacity).
• Residential Life: Students live in residence halls that foster a close-knit community.
• The Motley Coffeehouse: A popular student-run coffeehouse, often hosting local bands and student groups.

Traditions and Events

Scripps College is rich in traditions that foster community and connection.

Scripps Ring: Features an original design of unpolished gold with a relief of the College seal, La Semeuse (“she who sows”), symbolizing the good seeds of thought, action, and life.

Ivy Chain: During commencement, junior class members, dressed in white, hold a garland of ivy as graduates pass through, symbolizing camaraderie.

Matriculating In, Commencing Out: A symbolic tradition where first-year students enter through the Ella Strong Denison Library east door and graduating seniors exit through it.

Roses at Graduation: Alumnae present each graduating student with a long-stemmed rose as a welcome to the alumnae community.

Scripps Tea: A long-standing Wednesday afternoon tradition held in Seal Court, sponsored by various college offices, departments, and student clubs, providing a social gathering for the community.

Levitt on the Lawn: An outdoor concert series primarily featuring female artists and women-led musical groups.

Tuesday Noon Academy: A weekly series featuring thought-provoking presentations by Scripps faculty and visiting scholars.

Distinguished Speakers: Scripps regularly invites prominent figures from various fields to engage the community in significant conversations.

Notable Alumni

Scripps College boasts a distinguished list of alumnae who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable individuals include:

• Gabby Giffords ’93: Former U.S. Representative for Arizona, gun control advocate.
• Alison Saar ’78: Sculptor and installation artist known for work on black identity.
• Elizabeth Turk ’83: Sculpture artist.
• Beth Nolan ’73: White House Counsel for Bill Clinton.
• Jeanne DuPrau: Author, known for “The City of Ember” series.
• Melanie Rawn: Fantasy novelist.
• Molly Ivins (attended 1962–1963): Newspaper columnist.
• Harriet Doerr (attended 1975–1976): Novelist.
• China Chow: Actress and model.
• Dede Allen: Film editor.
• Rosemary Radford Ruether: Feminist theologian.

Financial Health and Endowment

As of June 30, 2019, Scripps College’s total net assets were $513 million, with endowment funds totaling approximately $380 million. The endowment fund is a crucial revenue source, providing about 20% of the funding for operations, supplemented by The Scripps Fund (annual fund), which contributes 3-5%.

Scripps College continues to be a leading institution dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience for women, fostering intellectual growth, leadership, and a strong sense of community.

FAQs about Scripps College

What is Scripps College known for?
Scripps College is known for its rigorous liberal arts education, focus on women’s empowerment, interdisciplinary learning, and beautiful Mediterranean-style campus.

Where is Scripps College located?
Scripps College is located in Claremont, California, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles.

Who founded Scripps College?
The college was founded in 1926 by journalist and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.

Is Scripps College part of a consortium?
Yes, Scripps is part of The Claremont Colleges consortium, allowing students to take courses and access resources at neighboring institutions.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Scripps?
The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 10:1 to 11:1, promoting close interaction between students and faculty.

What is the average class size at Scripps College?
The average class size is around 16 students.

What majors are popular at Scripps College?
Popular majors include Biology, Political Science, Psychology, and Media Studies.

Does Scripps College offer STEM programs?
Yes, Scripps has a strong STEM program and awards a higher percentage of STEM degrees than any other women’s college in the U.S.

Is Scripps College accredited?
Yes, Scripps is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

What are the admission requirements at Scripps College?
Scripps uses a holistic admissions process and is test-optional. Strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and essays are key.

What is the acceptance rate at Scripps College?
Recent acceptance rates range from 27.9% to 34%, with transfer acceptance around 11%.

What are the average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students?
The average SAT score is between 1420–1530, and the average ACT score is between 32–34.

Does Scripps College offer financial aid?
Yes, Scripps offers need-based financial aid through grants, work-study, and loans. 58% of students receive aid.

Is financial aid available for international students?
Yes, international students who receive need-based aid upon admission will have it renewed for up to 8 semesters if they maintain satisfactory academic progress.

What is the demographic makeup of the student body?
About 49% identify as students of color. Students come from 44 U.S. states and 15 countries, with 40% from California.

Is Scripps College only for women?
Yes, Scripps is a women’s college, though it is inclusive of transgender and nonbinary students who identify with the college’s mission.

What traditions are unique to Scripps College?
Traditions include the Ivy Chain at graduation, Scripps Ring, Matriculating In/Commencing Out, Scripps Tea, and Levitt on the Lawn concerts.

What are the key campus facilities at Scripps?
Notable facilities include Denison Library, Tiernan Field House, academic buildings, residence halls, and the student-run Motley Coffeehouse.

What is the Tiernan Field House?
It’s a fitness and wellness center with gym equipment, yoga/martial arts rooms, and athletic support for women’s soccer and lacrosse.

What is the Motley Coffeehouse?
The Motley is a student-run coffeehouse known for hosting live music, student performances, and community events.

Does Scripps offer study abroad programs?
Yes, Scripps provides robust study abroad opportunities in numerous countries, often integrated with the student’s academic focus.

Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes, Scripps supports undergraduate research across disciplines, often in collaboration with faculty and through consortium-wide initiatives.

What is the Humanities Institute at Scripps?
Founded in 1986, it organizes interdisciplinary programs, lectures, exhibitions, and performances around rotating themes.

What are some notable alumnae of Scripps College?
Prominent alumnae include Gabby Giffords, Alison Saar, Elizabeth Turk, Jeanne DuPrau, Beth Nolan, and Molly Ivins.

Is Scripps College financially stable?
Yes, as of 2019, Scripps had $513 million in total net assets and an endowment of approximately $380 million.

What is the Scripps Ring?
The Scripps Ring is a gold ring with the college seal, La Semeuse, symbolizing intellectual and personal growth, traditionally given to juniors.

What is the Ivy Chain ceremony?
During Commencement, juniors hold a garland of ivy as graduating seniors pass through, symbolizing continuity and connection.

What is “Matriculating In/Commencing Out”?
This tradition involves students entering Scripps through the Denison Library east door and exiting through it at graduation.

What kind of events are held on campus?
Campus events include Distinguished Speaker series, Tuesday Noon Academy lectures, concerts, and community gatherings.

How does Scripps support student wellness?
The college offers physical wellness resources, counseling services, and programming through Tiernan Field House and campus wellness centers.