The universe of small institutions includes "special mission" institutions. Although these institutions share several similarities, each plays a special and distinct role in higher education, providing a unique culture and experience for their students. They include women's colleges, Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), faith-based institutions, and military colleges, among others. Through the lens of women's colleges, the author will highlight these institutions and their important role in higher education.