Stella Maris College, Chennai

Stella Maris College in Chennai, established in 1947 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, is one of the city's most respected women's colleges — autonomous and affiliated to the University of Madras. Its reputation was built on the humanities, English literature and the fine arts in particular, and it pairs that with an A++ NAAC grade, the top accreditation band. The campus on Cathedral Road sits in the heart of Chennai, placing students amid the city's cultural institutions, internship options and public life. Fees are moderate, admission is merit-based with minority-community reservations, and campus culture is active in the arts. It holds a NIRF rank of 59 among colleges. It suits women students wanting a strong liberal-arts education in a metropolitan setting, with an established alumnae network across Chennai's professional and cultural life.