Goodwin University Secures Top Rank for Women’s Education in Connecticut

Goodwin University: Leading the Way in Women’s Education

Goodwin University has proudly been recognized as the top college for women in Connecticut, landing at #32 nationally on Newsweek's 2026 America's Best Colleges for Women list. This significant accolade exemplifies the university's dedication to promoting women's academic success, access, and long-term achievements across the board.

This ranking comes as a result of a comprehensive evaluation of over 1,300 colleges and universities nationwide. Newsweek collaborated with Gender Fair to create this new national ranking. The evaluation considered four weighted categories: leadership, pay and policies, safety, and opportunity, utilizing federally reported data from the U.S. Department of Education, supplemented by additional investigations to gauge each institution's commitment to gender equity.

The inaugural list by Newsweek beams a spotlight on colleges and universities that excel in fostering gender equity through inclusive academic programs, extensive student support services, and effective career readiness strategies that empower women.

With a female enrollment of 83% for the academic year 2025-26, Goodwin University underscores its commitment to women's education, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing women's rights and workforce participation in a historically male-dominated landscape. The next university from Connecticut ranked on the list is positioned at #94, establishing Goodwin’s prominence in the region.

As Mark E. Scheinberg, President of Goodwin University, stated, "This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to access and opportunity. At Goodwin, we are proud to support women learners and leaders at every stage of their educational and professional journey—from first-generation college students to working professionals and adult learners—and to create pathways that lead to meaningful careers."

Goodwin serves a broad range of students, many of whom are balancing educational aspirations with work and family commitments. The university is renowned for its career-focused programs, particularly in demand sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. The flexible learning options, alongside comprehensive support services, aim to eliminate barriers that might hinder women from pursuing education, particularly in critical fields.

Diana LaRocco, the Associate Provost for Learning and Teaching, shared insights on the university's philosophy, saying, "Our students aim to step up, be more, and do more. We support them by starting with the individual and the bigger picture of who they are as a person and a learner. By bringing accessible, inclusive, and personalized learning experiences to the forefront, Goodwin coaches diverse student populations for professional success."

Goodwin's mission-driven ideology has rendered it a leader in advancing educational equity for women, significantly aiding countless graduates in their quest for upward mobility and successful careers. Notably, the university has graduated over 4,000 nurses and healthcare providers since 2005, contributing to the state and nation’s healthcare workforce.

Being ranked as the top institution in Connecticut solidifies Goodwin's influential position and continuous investment in programs that nurture belonging and achievement among women. This recognition not only honors past efforts but also reaffirms the institution’s commitment to further initiatives fostering gender equity and women's empowerment in higher education and the workforce.

For those interested in exploring Goodwin University’s academic offerings, information is readily available on its official site, goodwin.edu. As they continue to pave pathways for educational access and career advancement, Goodwin stands as a beacon of progress in women’s education.