A Higher Education

The first comprehensive college for women, Vassar was incorporated by the New York State Legislature on January 18th 1861.

The New York State Legislature passed “An Act to Incorporate Vassar Female College” in Poughkeepsie, New York January 18th 1861. It was the first college to provide a fully comprehensive higher education for women, and was founded by Matthew Vassar. The first of 353 students came to Poughkeepsie, New York to begin their education on September 26th 1865, and included one Civil War widow. Each student paid $350 for their tuition which included a residence.