Finch College: Reminiscences on a Bygone School

By Clifford J. Dudley

Down a manicured street between Madison and Park Avenues stand a series of edifices both stately and serene. Nestled amid these fashionable properties can be found several townhouses that once contained a college interesting for what it was, and also, was not. An observant wanderer might formerly have noticed a well-polished brass plate on one of the buildings that read simply, FINCH COLLEGE. But that was over fifty years ago.

Finch College Entrance Today (luxury housing), photograph by author.

Finch College would graduate its last class in 1975, and it is important to understand why this happened. Throughout much of its history, the school was viewed as a finishing school for daughters of the privileged class. A New York Times article even referred to it as a school where girls could come and be safe in the city.[1] Students at Finch, such as Patsy Pulitzer, often came from well-known business families or political families like Kathleen Kennedy and Tricia Nixon. Others would make themselves famous in the arts and entertainment fields. These included painter Pegeen Guggenheim, and actors Suzanne Pleshette and Isabella Rossellini. Finch also provided an important cultural contribution to New York City through its Contemporary Study Wing of the Finch College Museum of Art, which opened in 1964. It not only presented an exceptional Art Deco exhibit in 1970, but also featured works by Andy Warhol, Eva Hesse, Yayoi Kusama, and other contemporary artists. [2]

Finch Dorm Entrance Today, photograph by author.

The school was not old, as colleges go. It began life in 1900 as the brainchild of Jessica Garretson Finch Cosgrave. She was born in 1871 to a minister and his wife who lived in New York. Jessica would be in the first graduating class of Barnard College. However, she considered her years there a waste as they prepared her for nothing better than being a tutor of Greek. [3] She envisioned a school that would educate and empower young women to become leaders in the community. [4] After divorcing J. W. Finch, she wed New York World editor John Cosgrave in 1913. Known as a champion of women’s rights, Jessica Cosgrave was also an advocate for education and careers for women. [5] To this end, she became the founder and first president of the Finch School. This strong woman would continue to champion liberal causes, such as women’s suffrage and government ownership of public utilities, until her death in 1949.

The Finch School that opened in 1900 enrolled only thirteen students. Yet within four years, enrollment was promising enough for Jessica Cosgrave to authorize construction of a new building on East 78th Street, between the fashionable avenues of Park and Madison. [6] The school became chartered as a junior college in 1937, and was accredited as a liberal arts college in 1952. Throughout these years the enrollment was restricted to female students. Despite the school’s introduction of a curriculum to prepare students for careers outside the home, its reputation as a finishing school for the daughters of wealthy families persisted. The school was often referred to as “Fashionable Finch,” a name not appreciated by President Cosgrave. [7] By mid-century, Finch had introduced courses on income management and business law to augment the arts focus. However, even President Cosgrave admitted that Finch would “continue to have snob appeal.” [8]

The 1960s brought sweeping changes throughout America, and this included changes to women’s education. The Civil Rights Movement provoked a reassessment of the role of women in society. Many universities were reaching the conclusion that they could not, and should not, remain the restricted domains of male education. [9] In 1963, Fordham began admitting women, as did Yale in 1969. While providing greater opportunities for women, these developments also presented new challenges for those colleges catering solely to female students. They now had to meet an ever-increasing operational cost and the loss of their monopoly on female applicants. Prospective students now looked at coeducational schools like nearby NYU or Sarah Lawrence College. Finch College was also negatively impacted through media coverage. Tales of Finch girls like Grace Slick or Jane Holzer, who joined anti-establishment rock bands or became muses for revolutionary artists like Andy Warhol, turned a nice profit for the papers, but did not enhance the school’s standing. [10] News articles about the school oft focused on high tuition and “fluffy” academics. [11] When Hunter College and Marymount Manhattan College became coeducational, Finch found itself competing with Barnard for the women-only market in the city.

Finch College did have some strong cards in its favor. Under the direction of Elayne Varian, the Finch College Museum of Art continued to enhance the school’s already strong emphasis on Art and Art History. The changing college scene sometimes assisted traditional Finch as well. One Finch alum recalled wanting to attend an out of state coeducational university. She visited it with her parents, who took one look at the school’s counterculture atmosphere and enrolled her in Finch. Of course, the trump card was Finch’s zip code. Not many schools could boast such a location; right in one of the most exclusive regions of the greatest city in the world. That snob appeal could still hold true. Girls also had the option of living in the school’s dormitory which was located across the street.

The financial troubles that loomed on the horizon were not evident to Finch students who were enjoying their college days. The school had no sports teams, but students could participate in Dance Club, Ski Club, House Council, or the study abroad program. [12] Several alums fondly recalled Halloween dances, theatrical productions, and an annual President’s Ball that was the social event of the season. Elite shops of Madison Avenue were just around the corner, galleries on Museum Mile a block or two further, and the arts of Lincoln Center just across the park. At a time when the drinking age was eighteen, a plethora of watering holes were at the girls’ disposal. Celebrating birthdays at the Carlyle, enjoying burgers and potato salad at the Madison Pub, or eyeing ballerinas begging for credit at O’Neal’s Baloon were just some alumnae memories. How could one not be impressed upon realizing other patrons may include George Balanchine, Woody Allen, Jackie O, or any other number of New York’s swells?

Inside the Carlyle Hotel (a favorite Finch watering hole), photograph by author.

I briefly dated a “Finchie” and learned a good deal about life at her college. Conversations during lunch at their dining room often focused on art, theater, and museums. Notice I didn’t say school cafeteria. Finch sported a fine dining hall with beveled mirrors and chandeliers, making the consumption of food more of a surrealistic experience than grabbing something mysterious at my university’s cafeteria. The school had excellent chefs, including one who specialized in Coquilles St. Jacques. Despite seeing one or two McGovern posters around the school, I never recalled hearing a great deal of political discussion. Considering their family backgrounds, and the fact that Tricia Nixon had graduated from Finch in 1968, perhaps it was not surprising that the majority of Finch students approved of President Nixon. [13]

Although Finch offered courses in History and Government, it was the rare student who listed this as a major. The majority of students declared themselves to be Art or Art History majors, and this coincided with the school’s academic emphasis. [14] In 1975, Finch had nine instructors of Art or Art History with but one instructor for Economics. [15] There was an Elementary Education Department, and I remember discussing the program with a student who seemed rather dedicated to it. Many of my friends back home attended Southern Connecticut State College, a school well-known for its teacher training program. Their curriculum was vastly different from that which the Finch girl shared with me. They studied all aspects of pedagogy, as well as strategies for addressing special education needs, and completing student teaching under a qualified mentor.

The college’s board of trustees appointed a new president in 1970. Rodney Felder became Finch’s third president and had a background as an economist. [16] Perhaps the board hoped he would be able to address Finch’s worsening finances, and his fifteen years working at Finch was not viewed as an impediment to fresh ideas. Felder would need more concrete administrative skills to deal with the $680,000.00 deficit (the equivalent of over $5.5 million in 2025). The most obvious concerns focused around low enrollment and high tuition. Felder would later claim that Finch’s image as an exclusive school for entitled girls could not be overcome. [17] It was still regarded as a white glove school in a blue jeans world.

There were several indicators of looming problems. In 1972, many of the faculty were notified that they would not be reappointed. [18] By 1975, the school’s enrollment was only 310 full-time students. [19] Undergraduate enrollment at Sarah Lawrence was 1,187, Columbia was 5,200, and Hunter was almost 10,000. An endowment is essential for building school programs and financial stability. [20] Unfortunately, Finch had failed to develop theirs to a level sufficient to assist with their fiscal crisis.

Tuition at Finch for its last year stood at $2,900.00, with another expense of $1900.00 for boarding. [21] For that same time period, tuition at a four-year state college averaged $512.00 and tuition at a four-year private college averaged 2,130.00. [22] It must be remembered, however, that New York City is not an average place. When you look at Fordham’s tuition at this time, it was only $500.00 less than Finch’s. [23] Soon, New York University would announce plans to raise its tuition by over 7%. [24] Perhaps the question was not why was Finch’s tuition high, but rather what would someone’s daughter get for that money compared to other educational options available elsewhere. Perhaps the college had done too good a job maintaining its reputation as a school of wealth. Who could believe Finch was actually running out of money?

Finch had also made a series of poor financial investments. It is always easy to look back and criticize decisions after the fact, but some of the school’s planning seems to lack foresight. The overseas study program certainly offered students an attractive learning option. Yet, without an endowment or other funding support this program was not cost effective. The school had previously purchased several pieces of prime property, but at above market price. When the college proposed the sale of a building on East 77th Street that would yield $350,000.00, it received a most unpleasant surprise within the contractual fine print. It seemed the property could not be sold while inhabited, and it still housed three tenants during the school’s financial crisis. [25] Rumors related to the school’s worsening finances were also circulating, and that is never good for business. These concerns increased as the school began seeking greater donation amounts from benefactors.

By the 1974-1975 school year, the dam was about to break, literally. On September 19th, at 3:00am, a water main near Park Avenue burst. The resulting flood and steam explosion did over $1 million in damage to the school, including the boiler and electrical system. The city side-stepped any responsibility, and when the school pulled out its insurance policy it received another shock. The insurer held that the pipe break was not “an act of God,” and would not pay for damages. [26] Perhaps if someone had regularly reviewed the school’s various legal documents it would not be left holding the bag, or in this case the mop. President Felder was now getting desperate. False hopes arose from tales of impending grants, awards from foundations, and even intervention by the New York State Dormitory Authority. [27] Considering the financial situation of the state at the time, it is not surprising that no such assistance materialized. Additionally, the president learned that an attempt to get federal funding to subsidize tuition had also failed. [28] By March of 1975, Felder was forced to admit that without an immediate infusion of $500,000.00 the school would not be able to survive. [29]

Several alumnae claimed most students were caught unaware by the school’s financial situation. At one point the administration even hinted the school might remain open. [30] It was not until May of 1975, during exam week of all times, that students and faculty were assembled in the school’s auditorium. There they were informed Finch College was closing. The Seniors would be able to finish out the school year and experience commencement. But what of those members of the Junior class, less than fifty in total, who learned they would now become academic orphans? Amid their questions and protests, they were advised by the college dean that Fordham and Barnard would welcome them. It seemed these New York schools would waive their two year residency requirement for graduation to allow Finch students to earn their diplomas. [31] Of course they would be happy to take the tuition as well; but business is business, which those colleges understood better than Finch.

And that was that; Finch College was no more.

“Art In Process” from Finch College Museum of Art Contemporary Study Wing, photograph by author.

There was not much left to discuss. The pride of Finch College, its museum of art, would be sold off to help pay employee salaries. [32] As for the Finch students, rumor has it that the Carlyle’s bar did a particularly brisk business that May. You can still see their faces in the Seniors’ yearbook. Many convey a sense of melancholy but also of relief, as if they realize they were lucky enough to get out before the doors locked. It was a school tradition that the yearbook also include pictures of the other classes as well. [33] Unfortunate; for it meant a photo image of the castaway Juniors would forever remain a part of the school’s history.

As events would have it, the Finch College story was not quite over. Nearly two decades after the demise of their alma mater, some determined alumnae went into the resurrection business. In 1993, The Finch College Alumni Association Foundation Trust came into existence with the objective of reviving the spirit of the school and reconnecting former students. They sought to revive the spirit of the school by reconnecting former students. Activities came to include alumnae dinners, art tours and lectures, and newsletter updates on careers, retirements, and other events of interest to “sisters.” [34] This was no small feat considering the technology of the day. Volunteers had to dissect school records, and try to make contact with other alum. Eventually they would establish an alumnae directory, web page, and even a Facebook account. In a touch of irony related to a bankrupt school, the foundation also gives away money. A scholarship is awarded to female students from New York, New Jersey and/or Connecticut who wish to transfer after their second year at a two-year college to a four-year one. [35] An award named for the school’s founder is also presented to outstanding alumnae. Fittingly, the organization also sponsors tours of New York art galleries.

Universities have the aura of eternity about them, almost a sense of comfort and stability. We even refer to returning visits as “Homecomings.” Each Fall brings the arrival of fresh students to rejuvenate a school; building on honored traditions while bringing the promise of continued achievement. But this can never happen for Finch College. Members of the last graduating class are now in their seventies, and each passing year brings lonelier meetings. Eventually they will be gone, along with their memories of a school most New Yorkers don’t even know existed. That is why organizations like Finch’s alumni association are so important. They document history, which is collective recall for us all. Perhaps descendants of alumnae will share stories with family and friends, maybe the scholarship recipients explain the significance of their award, or some historian shows a passing interest. If not, another little piece of the city’s history will be lost; and that is certainly not a happy ending.

Dr Clifford J. Dudley teaches History at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. He is a graduate of Fordham, and has published articles on historical topics.

[1] Morris, B. “Where Out-of-Town Girls Could Come Feel Safe in New York.” New York Times, 13 December 2017, https://www.nytimes.com.

[2] Robins, A. “Remembering Finch College – and its ground-breaking 1970s Art Deco exhibits.” Discover New York’s Landmarks, 23 May 2014, https://anthonyrobins.com

[3] “History of Finch College,” Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020, https://www.finchcollege.org.

[4] “Finch and its Future,” Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020, https://www.finchcollege.org.

[5] “Education: Finch & Current Events.” Time Magazine, 30 March 1942, https://time.com/archive/6770794.

[6] “History of Finch College,” Finch College Alumni Association Foundation.

[7] “Education: Finch & Current Events,” Time Magazine.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Scroth, R., SJ, “How Women Came to Fordham: The Life and Death of Thomas More College,” Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education, Vol. 19, Issue 1 (2006).

[10] Snow, P., “Warhol’s Superstar: Baby Jane Holzer.” AnOther Magazine, 16 November 2016, https://www.anothermag.com.

[11] Morris, B., “Where Out-of-Town Girls Could Come Feel Safe in New York.”

[12] Skyline ’75, Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020, https://www.finchcollege.org.

[13] Skyline ’72, Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020, https://www.finchcollege.org.

[14] Skyline ’74, Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020, https://www.finchcollege.org.

[15] Skyline ’75, Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020.

[16] “Finch College Names Economist President,” New York Times, 15 September 1970, https://www.nytimes.com.

[17] Felder, R., “Requiem for a Dead College,” Harper’s Magazine, Oct. 1975, https://harpers.org.

[18] Ibid.

[19] “Future Weighted by Finch College,” New York Times, 4 May 1975, https://www.nytimes.com.

[20] “Understanding College and University Endowments,” American Council on Education, 3 March 2021, https://acenet.edu.

[21] “Funds Sought to Avert Finch College’s Closing,” New York Times, 21 March 1975, https://www.nytimes.com.

[22] Hanson, M., “Average Cost of College by Year.” Education Data.org, 9 January 2022, https://educationdata.org.

[23] “Reiss predicts tuition hike in ’76,” The Ram, 12 November 1975, https://www.library.fordham.edu.

[24] “NYU Raising Tuition 7.5%,” New York Times, 4 March 1976, https://www.nytimes.com.

[25] “Future Weighted by Finch College,” New York Times, 4 May 1975.

[26] Ibid.

[27] Felder, R., “Requiem for a Dead College.”

[28] Sheidlower, N., “18 defunct colleges and universities in the NYC area,” Untapped New York, 6 September 2023, https://untappedcities.com. 

[29] “Funds Sought to Avert Finch College’s Closing,” New York Times, 21 March 1975.

[30] “Future Weighted by Finch College,” New York Times, 4 May 1975.

[31] Cummbsing, J., “Finch College Closing For 1975-76 School Year,” New York Times, 23. May1975, https://www.nytimes.com.

[32] Exhibition records of the Contemporary Study Wing of the Finch College Museum of Art, 1943-1975, bulk 1964-1975.” Smithsonian Archives of American Art, 2019, https://www.aaa.si.edu. 

[33] Skyline ’75, Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020.

[34] “About Us,” Finch College Alumni Association Foundation, 2020, https://www.finchcollege.org.

[35] Ibid.