Overview

Founded in 1833 by members of the Orthodox Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Haverford College is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. Originally established as a Quaker boys' school, it became coeducational in 1980. The college remains deeply influenced by Quaker values including integrity, service, and community governance, most notably embodied in its student-run Honor Code that has shaped campus life for over a century.

Haverford is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, known for exceptional faculty-student collaboration, rigorous academics, and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research. The college maintains close academic partnerships with Bryn Mawr College, Swarthmore College, and the University of Pennsylvania, allowing students to cross-register and access resources across institutions. Notable academic strengths include the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, with particular distinction in chemistry, physics, political science, and philosophy.

The campus culture is defined by the Honor Code, a student-written and student-enforced system of academic and social conduct that fosters trust, respect, and concern for others. Students enjoy close relationships with faculty, small seminar-style classes, and a collaborative rather than competitive academic environment. The tight-knit community of approximately 1,400 students creates an intimate atmosphere where Quaker values of consensus, equality, and social justice permeate daily life. The college's Plenary sessions, where students gather to discuss and revise the Honor Code, exemplify its unique approach to democratic self-governance.

At a Glance

Tuition & Costs (estimates)

Admissions

Top Programs

• Political Science
• Biology
• Economics
• Chemistry
• Psychology

Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.