Feminism is often considered a dirty word. It stands as an umbrella term for several branches of academic, cultural, literary, political and social theory and is often misunderstood. It reality, most forms of feminism are not radical or incendiary, but valid forms of discourse that focus on female perspective and gender equality.

Forbes.com recently interviewed a number of female students attending women’s colleges. The article describes how Kateri Benjamin, a Barnard graduate, was subject to various feminist jibes due to her choice of college. However Benjamin asserts that she is delighted with her choice of college, which was not an “academic convent,” but a place of learning and empowerment.

Susan Lennon of the Women’s College Coalition goes on to describe how women’s colleges must contend with stereotypes and incorrect perceptions: “We still face the idea that there aren’t any boys, But it’s a different world now. Most of these colleges are part of a consortium.” Lennon continues to stress that students in a female college receive the same academic and social experiences as students in a co-ed school.

Check out these female colleges that Forbes rank as the Top Ten, (in no particular order)

Mount Holyoke College
Mount Holyoke is a part of the seven sisters, and is the oldest women’s college in the United States. The college has a large international student base. The school counts Emily Dickinson among its alumni.

Barnard College
Barnard has been affiliated with Columbia University since 1902 and students of both colleges share in academics, athletics and social life. Barnard is separate in admissions, health, security and other associations. Barnard is part of the seven sisters.

Simmons College
Simmons was established in 1899 and is noted for its emphasis on pre-professional undergraduate education. Simmons also prides itself on being one of the first colleges to accept black and Jewish students.

Bryn Mawr College
This college is part of both the seven sisters and the Tri-College Consortium and is based in Pennsylvania. Established in 1885, it accepts men at graduate level, while remains women only for undergraduate studies. The college has several notable alumni and faculty, including Woodrow Wilson.

Mills College
Mills has been ranked in the Princeton Review and one of the best Western colleges. In 1990 a vote to allow male undergraduate applications passed but was revoked after a two week strike by students and staff.

Smith College
Smith is the largest member of the seven sisters and is part of the five college consortium. The college was established in 1875 and is noted for its athletics. The campus houses various historical greenhouses, various gardens including a botanical gardens and tea house.

Spelman College
Spelman College began as a traditional black college. The school was ranked 77 in the 2009 U.S. News and World Report ranking of all U.S. liberal arts colleges. The college has over 82 student organizations.

Sweet Briar College
According to Forbes: “Sweet Briar offers a beautiful, secluded campus with a renowned equestrian program.” The college is well-known for the availability of professors and is consistently ranked among the best colleges. It has been featured prominently in rankings such as “Most Beautiful Campus,” “Best Career/Job Placement Services,” “Dorms like palaces,” and many more.

Wellesley College
Wellesley students can cross-register with MIT and the college is ranked as the 4th Best Liberal Arts Colleges.

Cedar Crest College
This college has one of the few female black presidents and is known for their adult education programs. The campus is over 142 years old.

Women’s colleges offer several advantages to their students; they give the option to partake in co-ed activities, tend to be more philanthropic and bolster female confidence. Women’s colleges allow their female students a chance to develop without the pressures that come with a constant co-ed environment. They show young women that their sex is not a hindrance and also serve to create strong relationships and friendships with both staff and students. The statistics are also favorable, according to converse.edu: “33 percent of the women board members of Fortune 1000 companies are women’s college graduates and of all the women members of Congress, nearly one-fourth attended women’s colleges”