Educational institutions for women existed throughout the United States in the 19th century, including the Ohio Female College, which opened in 1849. Providing a college education for women may have been liberal by the standards of the day, but were not progressive by Oberlin's standards as this dedication address makes clear: "Woman gains nothing-- she always loses, when she leaves her own sphere for that of man.

Samuel Fisher, "Female Education: An Address Delivered at the Dedication of the Ohio Female College. September 4, 1849, Cincinnati." in Educational Addresses, volume 3.