Agnes Scott College: A Comprehensive Overview

Agnes Scott College, a private women's liberal arts college located in Decatur, Georgia, has a rich history and a commitment to providing an innovative education. Since its founding in 1889, the college has empowered students to reach their full potential. With a focus on global learning, leadership development, and professional success, Agnes Scott prepares students to be change agents in the world.

Historical Context and Founding

Agnes Scott College was established in 1889 as the Decatur Female Seminary by Presbyterian minister Frank Henry Gaines. In 1890, the institution was renamed Agnes Scott Institute to honor Agnes Irvine Scott, the mother of the college's primary benefactor, Col. George Washington Scott. The college holds the distinction of being the first higher education institution in Georgia to receive regional accreditation. The Reverend Frank Henry Gaines served as the first President of Agnes Scott, formally known as Decatur Female Seminary School, for 27 years (1896-1923).

Campus and Location

The college is situated on a 100-acre campus in Decatur, Georgia, within walking distance of downtown Decatur. The campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 as part of the South Candler Street-Agnes Scott College Historic District. The historic district includes the entire campus, as well as historic homes adjacent to the campus. Getting to the college is convenient, with Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta located 20 miles from campus. Public transportation via MARTA trains is available from the airport to the Decatur station.

Academics and Curriculum

Agnes Scott College offers bachelor's, certificate, and master's degrees. The college's undergraduate experience is defined by SUMMIT, an approach to reinventing the liberal arts education. Every student completes a core curriculum focused on global learning, leadership development, professional success, and digital literacy, guided by their own Board of Advisors. Academic offerings include programs in pre-law, education 4+1, and pre-medicine and dual-degree programs in computer science, engineering, and nursing. Agnes Scott's graduate and post-baccalaureate programs are interdisciplinary, cutting-edge, and designed for professional and academic success.

The college is part of the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education institution, allowing students to cross-register at any of the 18 other member colleges. Students take advantage of hands-on experiences at Agnes Scott; all first-year students engage in global immersion as part of the liberal arts curriculum, and about half study abroad again. On average, 70% of students complete an internship and 36% are involved in research.

Rankings and Recognition

Agnes Scott College consistently receives high rankings and recognition. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Agnes Scott College is ranked No. 63 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. It's also ranked No. 1 in Most Innovative Schools. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 edition of “Best Colleges,” Agnes Scott is also ranked No. 3 First-Year Experience, No. 3 Undergraduate Best Teaching, No. 4 Social Mobility and No. 6 Study Abroad.

Student Life and Community

Agnes Scott College is known for its diverse and inclusive campus community. The college actively welcomes students of all identities and encourages students to be inquisitive and forward-thinking. The school is described as having "both a competitive and loving environment." The college hosts several student publications, including The Silhouette, the college's yearbook published annually, The Aurora, Agnes Scott's literary magazine, and The Profile, Agnes Scott newspaper.

The college offers a variety of student organizations and traditions. The tight-knit community comes together through its 60 student organizations and wealth of traditions, including the sophomore ring ceremony. More than 80% of students are involved in community service.

Traditions and Landmarks

Several landmarks and traditions contribute to the unique character of Agnes Scott College:

Agnes Scott (Main) Hall: Built in 1891, Main Hall is the oldest building on campus and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Rebekah Scott Hall: Constructed in 1906, Rebekah Scott Hall is the second oldest building remaining at Agnes Scott College.
Jennie D. Inman Hall: Built in 1911, Inman Hall is the oldest building at Agnes Scott College used exclusively for student housing.
Anna Young Alumnae House: Dedicated to former science professor and Agnes Scott alumnae, Anna Irwin Young, the Alumnae House is now used as a campus guest house.
The Gazebo: Built in 1891, the Gazebo at Agnes Scott college has served a multitude of purposes throughout the years.
Bradley Observatory: The Bradley Observatory houses the Beck Telescope, a 30-inch (760 mm) Cassegrain reflector, as well as a planetarium with 70-seat capacity and a radio telescope.
Robert Frost Statue: A statue of the poet Robert Frost sculpted by George W. Lundeen sits in the alumnae gardens. American poet Robert Frost was first invited to speak at Agnes Scott in 1935, by English professor Emma May Laney, and he visited the college every winter from 1945 until his death in 1963. During his visits, he would read poetry in Presser Hall.
Senior Bell Ringing: As part of a longstanding tradition, senior class members ring the campus bell and sign their names in the bell tower when they receive a job offer or acceptance into graduate school.

Admission and Financial Aid

Agnes Scott College accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The application deadline is May 1, and the application fee is $0. Required application materials for freshmen include a written essay or personal statement and high school transcripts.

Seventy-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $22,358. New for Fall 2022, all incoming students will receive the Agnes Assurance Scholarship, worth $22,000 annually, or a merit scholarship in a higher amount up to $26,000 annually. The college also offers awards covering the cost of attendance through Presidential Scholarships, and for Hispanic students through the Goizueta Scholarship.

Resources and Facilities

Agnes Scott College provides a range of resources and facilities for its students:

Computer Resources: At least one staffed computer lab is available to students. A wireless computer network is available throughout the campus. The number of computers available is 450.
McCain Library: The library at Agnes Scott College was an original Carnegie library built in 1910. A new library was authorized by the board of trustees in 1935 and opened in the fall of 1936.
Bullock Science Center: The college's science building, the Bullock Science Center, contains a three-story rendering of part of the nucleotide sequence from Agnes Scott's mitochondrial DNA.
Renewable Energy: As of 2015, the college has five solar arrays, four of which are part of Georgia Power's Advanced Solar Initiative. The fifth array is on the rooftop of the Bradley Observatory and is also used for student research.
Office of Internship and Career Development: The Office of Internship and Career Development prepares students for a lifetime of success, providing major-to-career roadmaps, career coaches, skill-building workshops, career panels, and recruitment events.

Athletics

Agnes Scott is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, fielding six sports teams including basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.