Virginia Alice Cottey Stockard founded Cottey College in 1884 with the firm belief that women deserved the same quality education as men. When Alice became a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, she realized that P.E.O. paralleled her own goals and ideas about higher education for women.

In 1927, the P.E.O. Sisterhood accepted Cottey College as a gift from Virginia Alice Cottey Stockard, making Cottey College the only nonsectarian college owned and supported by women. Ever since, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has continued to support and help provide excellent educational opportunities for women.

In the diverse and supportive environment of Cottey College, women create incredible futures as they develop their potential for personal and professional lives of intellectual engagement and thoughtful action as learners, leaders and citizens. Cottey is a fully accredited four-year independent liberal arts and sciences college for women offering baccalaureate and associate degrees.

2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Regional Rankings

  • #1 Best Regional Colleges - Midwest
  • #12 Top Performer on Social Mobility
  • #26 Best Value Colleges - Midwest

About Cottey

Cottey’s residential student capacity of 350 women typically represents 40 states, Canada and 26 countries.

Cottey College is located in Nevada, Missouri, 100 miles from Kansas City and two hours from the Kansas City International Airport.

Cottey's attractive campus blends restored historic buildings and modern structures. Highlights of the 80-acre campus include up-to-date academic facilities, beautiful sculptures and gardens and a dining room with food that's second to none.

International Experience

Each sophomore-level student has the opportunity to participate in a week-long international trip. This experience is paid for by the College. Get more details on the Cottey International Experience at https://cottey.edu/international-experience/.

Applying to Cottey

Cottey College admits high school students, international students and transfer students. Visit https://cottey.edu/admission/apply/ to see requirements for admission. If you know a student who might be interested in Cottey College you can send us their information through this form www.cottey.edu/referstudent.

Cost to Attend Cottey

Most Cottey students receive some form of financial aid based on need or merit. For details on current tuition, room, board and fees, contact the Office of Enrollment Management at 1-888-5-COTTEY or visit https://cottey.edu/admission/financial-aid/.

Cottey Athletics

Cottey participates in intercollegiate basketball, cross country, golf, softball, track, flag football, esports and volleyball as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Athletic scholarships are awarded for these sports based on demonstrated ability. More information on Cottey athletics can be found at www.cotteycomets.com.

Cottey College Alumnae

If you're a Cottey College alumna who is interested in learning more about P.E.O. membership, please complete this interest form and we will send it to chapters in your community.

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