Moore College of Art & Design Considers Admitting Students of All Genders

The Philadelphia art school is gathering feedback on a proposal to open its undergraduate programs to applicants of all genders.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Moore College of Art & Design, founded in 1848 as the country's first art and design college for women, is considering opening its undergraduate programs to students of all genders. The school's leadership cites declining high school graduation rates, the closure of nearby arts colleges, and survey data showing limited importance placed on the school's women-only status as factors driving the potential change.

Why it matters

The proposed change at Moore College would mark a significant shift for one of the few remaining women's colleges in the United States, potentially expanding educational access in the Philadelphia region following the closures of other prominent arts institutions.

The details

Moore's graduate and adult programs are already open to all genders, and the school previously expanded gender access in 2015 and 2020. The current proposal would open the undergraduate programs to qualified applicants who were assigned female at birth or who self-identify as women, trans women, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming individuals. The school plans to gather feedback from the community before the board votes on the change in early June, with the first class under the new policy potentially starting in fall 2027.

  • The school plans to host a series of 20 guided discussions for students, faculty, staff and alumni starting this Thursday, February 16, 2026.
  • The boards will vote on the proposal in early June 2026.
  • If approved, the first class under the new gender-inclusive policy would start in fall 2027.

The players

Moore College of Art & Design

A Philadelphia art and design college founded in 1848 as the country's first art and design college for women.

Cathy Young

The president of Moore College of Art & Design.

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What they’re saying

“Moore is operating from a position of strength – financially, academically, artistically, and as a strong community.”

— Cathy Young, President (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The boards will vote in early June 2026 on whether to open Moore's undergraduate programs to students of all genders. If approved, the first class under the new policy would start in fall 2027.

The takeaway

The potential change at Moore College reflects broader trends in higher education, as some historically women's colleges have opened their doors to students of all genders in recent years. The proposal aims to expand educational access in the Philadelphia region following the closures of other arts institutions, while also acknowledging shifting student preferences and demographic changes.