For students seeking a traditional or focused residential experience, single gender dorms offer a unique living environment that can support academic success and personal comfort. This list covers ten colleges across the U.S. that provide single gender housing options, ideal for those who value privacy, community, or specific cultural or religious preferences while on campus.
College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)
Holy Cross, a Jesuit liberal arts college, offers single gender dorms primarily within its all-male and all-female residence halls. These dorms foster a close-knit community grounded in shared values and traditions, appealing especially to students seeking a faith-based environment. The college’s commitment to single gender housing supports focused study and peer support, making it a popular choice for students wanting a disciplined yet welcoming atmosphere.
Brigham Young University (Provo, UT)
BYU is well-known for its extensive single gender dormitory system, reflecting its affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All on-campus housing is segregated by gender, with strict visitation policies to maintain this separation. This arrangement promotes a safe, respectful environment aligned with the university’s honor code, making it ideal for students who prefer living in a community that emphasizes moral standards and shared faith.
Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA)
As a women’s college, Wellesley provides single gender dorms exclusively for female students. The residence halls range from traditional dormitories to suite-style living, all designed to foster empowerment and academic achievement. Wellesley’s dorms also emphasize community engagement and leadership development, creating a supportive space for women to thrive both socially and academically.
Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)
Morehouse, a historically Black men’s college, offers single gender dorms that reinforce brotherhood and cultural identity. The residence halls encourage academic focus and provide mentoring opportunities through resident advisors and peer leaders. Living in a male-only dorm at Morehouse supports a strong sense of pride and connection to the college’s legacy and mission.
Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)
Spelman, the sister institution to Morehouse, is a historically Black women’s college with single gender dorms designed to cultivate leadership and academic excellence. The residence halls offer a range of living options, from traditional rooms to suite-style arrangements, all fostering a close community of women scholars. Spelman’s dorms are known for their supportive environment, empowering students to engage deeply with campus life and social justice initiatives.
University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
Notre Dame provides single gender dormitories that are an integral part of its residential life experience. Male and female students live in separate halls, each with its own traditions and social activities. The single gender dorms support strong community bonds and spiritual growth, fitting with the university’s Catholic identity and emphasis on holistic education.
Smith College (Northampton, MA)
Smith College, another leading women’s college, offers single gender dorms exclusively for female students. The dormitories range from historic buildings to modern residences, all designed to encourage intellectual curiosity and independence. Smith’s single gender housing is part of its broader mission to empower women through education and community support.
University of Dallas (Irving, TX)
The University of Dallas maintains separate dorms for men and women, reflecting its Catholic liberal arts tradition. Single gender housing here supports a campus culture focused on faith, scholarship, and character development. Students in these dorms benefit from a close community atmosphere with programming that fosters spiritual and academic growth.
Hollins University (Roanoke, VA)
Hollins is a women’s university offering single gender dormitories designed to provide a safe and empowering environment. The residence halls promote leadership and creativity, with many students engaging in arts and humanities programs. Hollins’ single gender dorms help foster lifelong friendships and a supportive campus culture.
Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC)
Bob Jones University strictly enforces single gender dorms in line with its conservative Christian values. The men’s and women’s dormitories are physically separated with no cross-visitation allowed, creating a highly structured residential environment. This model appeals to students and families seeking a faith-based education with clear boundaries and community standards.
How to Choose
When deciding between colleges with single gender dorms, consider your personal comfort and goals. Reflect on how important faith or cultural traditions are to your living experience, as many schools with single gender housing tie this to religious affiliation or historical missions. Evaluate the dorm policies, such as visitation rules and community programming, to see if they align with your lifestyle. Also, think about the social and academic support networks offered within these dorms—some foster leadership and mentoring, while others emphasize privacy and quiet study. Location, campus size, and overall college culture are also key factors that will impact your residential experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all colleges offer single gender dorms?
No, many colleges now focus on coed housing or gender-inclusive options, but some maintain single gender dorms, often tied to tradition or religious affiliation.
Can students choose single gender dorms if they don’t attend a women’s or men’s college?
Yes, some coeducational universities offer optional single gender dorms, but availability varies widely.
Are single gender dorms more expensive?
Typically, single gender dorms cost the same as other on-campus housing, though some special living-learning communities may have additional fees.
What are the benefits of single gender dorms?
They can provide a focused environment, reduce distractions, support cultural or religious values, and foster strong peer networks.
Are visitation policies stricter in single gender dorms?
Often yes, especially at religiously affiliated schools, where opposite-gender visitation may be limited or prohibited.
How do single gender dorms accommodate transgender or non-binary students?
Policies vary; some schools offer gender-inclusive housing options or work with students to find the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Single gender dorms remain a meaningful option for many students seeking a residential experience that aligns with their values, comfort level, or academic focus. Whether at a women’s college like Wellesley or a faith-based institution like BYU, these dorms provide community and structure that can enhance campus life. When choosing a college, carefully weigh how single gender housing fits into your broader goals and preferences to find a place where you can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
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