Elmira College is a private liberal arts college in Elmira, New York. Established in 1855, it was originally an institution for women and became one of the first women's colleges in the United States to offer a course of study equal in rigor to what was available to men at the time. Elmira College became coeducational in 1969.The college is known for its liberal arts and sciences programs, along with professional and pre-professional studies. With small class sizes and a student-focused approach, Elmira emphasizes personalized education and hands-on learning experiences.The campus of Elmira College features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Among its well-known landmarks is Cowles Hall, the original building on campus, and the Mark Twain Study, a small octagonal building where the famous author wrote some of his best-known works.Elmira College offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports teams that compete in NCAA Division III. The college's mascot is the Soaring Eagle, and the school's colors are purple and gold.The college has a longstanding tradition of student engagement and leadership development, and it is recognized for its strong commitment to community service and global understanding. The curriculum emphasizes the liberal arts and encourages interdisciplinary study, and students often participate in internships, research, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities.Elmira College continues to be known for its commitment to liberal arts education and its mission to prepare students for personal and professional success in a diverse and interconnected world