Small institutions with special missions through the lens of women's colleges

Abstract The universe of small institutions includes “special mission” institutions. Although these institutions share several similarities, each plays a special and distinct role in higher education, providing a unique culture and experience for their students. They include women's colleges, Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic‐serving institutions (HSIs), Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), faith‐based institutions, and military colleges, among others. Through the lens of women's colleges, the author will highlight these institutions and their important role in higher education.