Media release from Georgia Highlands College:
Georgia Highlands College (GHC) has been recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges for Women by Newsweek, a new national ranking developed in partnership with Gender Fair.
This inaugural ranking evaluates institutions based on metrics aligned with the Women’s Empowerment Principles, highlighting colleges that demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equality and to supporting the educational and professional success of women.
“We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of the best colleges for women,” said GHC President Mike Hobbs. “This distinction reflects Georgia Highlands College’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where talent meets purpose and where all students can thrive academically and professionally.”
GHC’s inclusion in this ranking underscores its dedication to providing equitable opportunities, maintaining a safe campus environment, and supporting women through strong leadership and student-focused resources.
For example, during the most current Fiscal Year leading ending in July 2026, GHC has celebrated 530 women graduates conferring a total of 378 associate degrees and 152 bachelor’s degrees.
The ranking draws on data from the U.S. Department of Education, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Campus Safety and Security Database, along with additional research to ensure accuracy and relevance. Eligible institutions included colleges and universities across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. that enroll at least 1,000 students, employ a minimum of 20 women in academic roles, and award bachelor’s degrees.
Colleges were evaluated across four key areas:
- Leadership (35%) – Representation of women in leadership roles, including college presidents and faculty, ensuring visible role models and support systems for female students.
- Pay & Policies (25%) – Equity in compensation and workplace policies, including resources such as childcare that support women in both academic and professional settings.
- Safety (20%) – Campus safety, with a focus on crimes against women and hate crimes, based on publicly available data.
- Opportunity (20%) – Access and advancement opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds among both students and faculty.
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