Cottey College is an independent, liberal arts and science college for women located in Nevada, Missouri. Its residential student capacity of 350 typically represents 40 states and 20 countries. Cottey is owned by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international women’s organization of over 210,000 members, making Cottey the only nonsectarian college in the United States owned and supported by women for women.

At Cottey, our vision is what drives our excellence. We are one of the top small colleges in the nation because of our mindset. Cottey College is once again ranked as the #1 Best Regional College in the Midwest in the We have cultivated a diverse, supportive environment so that students can develop their potential free of the social pressure they feel at most schools. We want to educate women to be globally aware, socially responsible leaders through a challenging curriculum and dynamic campus experience.

We have a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, with an average class size of 9 to help her get acclimated to college and excel in the classroom. However, you know you can't take in the world just by sitting in a classroom, you have to see it! That's why Cottey offers our sophomore students a week-long international trip for free. The college pays for airfare, hotel, a bus tour, access to tour guides, and a farewell dinner in a nice restaurant. In 2023, Cottey students will travel to Vienna, Austria! In the past, Cottey has taken students to Barcelona, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, among many others.

About Cottey College

Cottey College is an independent, liberal arts and sciences women's college in Nevada, Missouri. Since 1884, the College has offered young women the opportunity to learn and grow into leaders, role models, and confident individuals. Today, Cottey's unique combination of women's-only education, high academic standards, focus on leadership development, commitment to an international experience for every student, and a motivated, high-energy community is at the heart of its success. At Cottey, we have multiple degree options intended to fit your needs.

Mission Statement

Cottey College, an independent liberal arts and sciences college, educates women to be contributing members of a global society through a challenging curriculum and a dynamic campus experience. In our diverse and supportive environment, women develop their potential for personal and professional lives of intellectual engagement and thoughtful action as learners, leaders, and citizens.