WOMEN'S COLLEGES FILL A NICHE

Once upon a time, colleges and universities segregated by gender were commonplace. In more recent times, these schools have opened their doors to welcome both men and women, mainly because of financial necessity.

Missouri is home to two of the 79 women's colleges left in the United States. At the turn of the century, there were more than 300 women's colleges. But both Stephens College in Columbia and Cottey College in Nevada are struggling to maintain enrollment. Stephens has about 800 students, down from 2,000 in the 1960s, and Cottey's count is about 200, down from more than 300 several years ago.

Women's colleges started in the last century mainly in response to the male-only policies of most established universities. Fortunately for some schools, like Cottey, there continues to be strong support from groups like the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Facilities at Cottey College, for example, are among the best in the nation and continue to be improved.

There is a niche for all-women or all-male schools. And in spite of the struggle to stay afloat, it can be hoped that such schools find a reliable life preserver.