Mission
Mitchell College is a transformative and inclusive learning community. We create a radically supportive, empowering environment where each individual’s growth is nurtured and celebrated.
College Type
A nonprofit four-year coeducational, residential college offering bachelor degrees and associate degrees, Mitchell developed its distinct educational approach over 85 years, blending a tradition of mentoring with an expertise in teaching diverse learning styles to create the innovative Mitchell Ability Model. Through a journey of self-discovery, learning adaptability, four-year career development, and mastery of essential abilities, students are challenged, supported and equipped for lifelong success. Mitchell is committed to the broader community through building strong, creative and cooperative partnerships. Located on a beautiful waterfront campus in historic New London, it is also home to championship NCAA Division III athletics and highly sought-after Living & Learning support programs including Thames at Mitchell College, The Mystic Program, and the Bentsen Learning Center.
Founding
Mitchell College was founded in 1938.
Accreditation
Mitchell College was re-accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education for 10 years in 2023.
Location & Campus
Located in New London, CT, Mitchell College is a suburban, residential, coastal campus situated on the Thames River shoreline, one hour from Hartford and Providence and two hours from Boston and New York City. Our 68-acre campus includes two private beaches, athletic fields and the Mitchell Woods green space (woods, pond and walking trails). Campus buildings include multi-level classroom and administrative buildings, historic homes, an athletic building, performing arts spaces, dining areas, residence halls, The Red Barn, an event space for both the college and the community, and Michael’s Dairy, an old-fashioned ice cream shop serving New London residents and visitors.
WHY MITCHELL?
Student Overview
Enrollment (Fall 2024)
Mitchell Students = 442 (364 full-time | 78 part-time)
Thames at Mitchell Students = 36
Source: IPEDS Fall Enrollment Survey and Fall Enrollment Summary
Diversity (Fall 2024)
- 53% male | 47% female
- 40% are students of color
- 38% use accessibility services
- 53% are first-generation college students (based on applicant data)
SOURCE: IPEDS Fall Enrollment Survey
NCAA Division III Athletics
Learn more about our athletic programs.
- 38% of students are athletes
- 44% of degree-seeking students are athletes
- 12 varsity sports
- 24 conference championships (through Spring 2024)
Source: Office of Institutional Effectiveness
Performing Arts
Learn more about our Performing Arts program
- 8% of students participate in Performing Arts
Financial Aid
- 99% of all degree-seeking students receive grants or scholarships (i.e., financial aid does NOT need to be repaid)
- $21,590 is the average amount of grants and scholarships given to degree-seeking students
Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid Survey
Career
- 100% of graduates have completed at least one professional internship or career lab experience
- 100% of our academic programs offer a professional internship experience
- 100% of students participate in career development while on campus
Residence
- 66% of full-time Mitchell College students live on campus
Source: Fall Enrollment Summary
Student Outcomes
Degree Distribution (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024)
Bachelor’s Degrees = 98 (91%)
Associate’s Degrees = 10 (9%)
SOURCE: IPEDS Completions Survey
Student Retention Rate
Fall 2018 Cohort = 63%
Fall 2019 Cohort = 70%
Fall 2020 Cohort = 64%
Fall 2021 Cohort = 65%
Fall 2022 Cohort = 57%
Fall 2023 Cohort = 59%
SOURCE: IPEDS Fall Enrollment Survey
Based upon an incoming bachelor’s cohort of first-time, full-time, new freshmen students, and their subsequent return in Fall of the next academic year.
Graduation Rate*
Fall 2013 Cohort = 43%
Fall 2014 Cohort = 59%
Fall 2015 Cohort = 41%
Fall 2016 Cohort = 62%
Fall 2017 Cohort = 44%
Fall 2018 Cohort = 42%
SOURCE: IPEDS Graduation Rates Survey
*Completion is defined by those first-time, full-time students in an incoming cohort who graduate within 150% of the time required by the program. For 2-year programs, this includes students graduating within 3 years. For 4-year programs, this includes students graduating within 6 years.
SOURCE: IPEDS Graduation Rates Survey
Transfer-Out Rate*
Fall 2012 Cohort = 43%
Fall 2013 Cohort = 48%
Fall 2014 Cohort = 24%
Fall 2015 Cohort = 38%
Fall 2016 Cohort = 18%
Fall 2017 Cohort = 39%
*Based on calculations made in accordance with IPEDS methodology using self-reported data from students who left the college within 150% of the time required by the degree program.
SOURCE: IPEDS Graduation Rates Survey
Post-Graduate Support
Through our Integrative Career Development Program, Mitchell College provides career services, such as resume writing, interview preparation and career education to current students and alumni. While Mitchell College does not facilitate job placements, the college provides services to support students with conducting job searches. During their time at Mitchell, many students develop connections with employers through internships that lead to career opportunities.
Source: Integrated Career Development Office
Post-Graduate Plans
| Class of | 2020 | 2021 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Employed | 74% | 57.4% | 30% | 39% |
| Continuing Education | 30% | 23% | 5% | 35% |
| Volunteering | NA | 2% | 3 | |
| Seeking Employment | 87% | NA | 10% | 44% |
| Traveling | NA | 1.6% | 15 | |
| Other | 0 | 14.8% | 4% |
SOURCE: Self-reported data from alumni surveys.
Most Popular Careers/Employment Industries for Mitchell Graduates
- Education
- Financial
- Medical
- Retail
- Sports & Fitness
SOURCE: Self-reported data from class of alumni surveys.
Academics
Average Class Size
12 Students per Class
Student/Faculty Ratio
11:1
Semesters
- Fall Semester
- Fall Session I Professional Studies (8 weeks)
- Fall Session II Professional Studies (8 weeks)
- January MiniMester (2 weeks)
- Spring Semester
- Spring Session I Professional Studies (8 weeks)
- Spring Session II Professional Studies (8 weeks)
- May MiniMester (2 weeks)
- Summer Session I Professional Studies (5 weeks)
- Summer Session II Professional Studies (5 weeks)
College Catalog
Information about campus, programs and policies is contained in the College Catalog, which can be found under the Academics tab on this website.
Campus
Faculty & Staff
Visit Contact Us for the Faculty and Staff Directory
Accreditation
Mitchell College has been accredited since 1956 by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NECHE accredits approximately 207 domestic institutions in the six-state New England region, five other states and the District of Columbia, as well as 24 American-style institutions in 15 countries.
Mitchell College was re-accredited for 10 years in 2023. To learn more about the accreditation process and the actions the College has undertaken you can download our Mitchell NECHE Self-Study Report 2023.
The Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor of Science in Integrated Early Childhood Education (PreK–Grade 3) Leading to Teacher Certification are designed to build teaching and leadership skills that can be applied in school settings. This program is accredited by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and also meets national accreditation standards. The Bachelor of Science in Integrated Early Childhood Education (PreK-Grade 3) Leading to Teacher Certification is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation Educator Preparation Providers (CAEP) with Stipulations for initial level programs.
Academic Support
Tuition, Fees, Administration
Tuition & Fees
Click here to learn about tuition and fees.
Financial Summary
A financial summary is available on request. Please contact the Finance Office at 860-701-5111.
Board of Trustees
Mark Alberti, M.B.A.
Helene Banks, J.D.
Patrick J. Caulfield
Shannon Christian
Kevin Coleman, J.D. ’18
Richard D’Avino, J.D.
Chairperson
Nancy Dolan ’74
Secretary
Tracy Y. Espy, Ph.D.
President of Mitchell College
Jason Guyot ’03
Yulanda Harris, Ed.D.
Andy Koha
Walter Kuhn, M.B.A.
Michael O’Connor
Vice Chairperson
Anne Bingham Pierson, M.D.
Honorary Trustee
Barbara Pratt, M.B.A.
Charles Pratt
Thomas Ruffing, M.E., M.B.A.
Treasurer
David Sandberg, M.B.A.
Norman Solomon
Moish Tov
George White, D.Arts
Cornell Yarbrough ’01
