Ethiraj College for Women was formed under the initiative of Thiru V.L. Ethiraj in 1948. He donated a sum of ten lakhs for the construction of this college. Situated in the core of Chennai city, Ethiraj College for Women has been awarded 5 star status by National Assessment and Accredition Council (NAAC) for its excellent performance on a constant basis and also potential for excellence award by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It has a devoted team of two hundred and ninety one faculty members.

Ethiraj College for Women has an excellent infrastructure. The hostel can provide accommodation to three hundred and forty five students. There are separate blocks for both postgraduate and undergraduate students. Interestingly, Ethiraj College for Women makes special consideration for meritorious and poor students and also nurtures talent of the students who have an inclination towards sports. It also offers special amenities for the physically challenged students. Ethiraj College for women has a library housed in a 3-storied building with a huge collection of more than eighty seven thousand books and also stocked with updated technologies and internet facility.

Apart from studies the students of Ethiraj College for Women are motivated, so that they take interest in numerous co-curricular activities. Women with outstanding talents in sports also can get hostel accommodation free of cost. In addition to all these facilities, classes on sports like Aerobics, karate and yoga are held on a regular basis.

Courses are either regular or self- financed. It also offers research programmes, including M.Phil and Ph.D. B.A regular courses include- English literature, Economics, Tourism & Travel Management and History. Science students can opt for B.Sc courses in subjects like- Zoology, Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology, Chemistry, Plant Biology & Plant Bio-Technology, Physics, Mathematics, Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Service Management. B.Com. courses in Commerce and Corporate Secretaryship are also offered.

One can also take admission to self-financed undergraduate courses, like B.A in English Literature, English & Communication Skills and Business Economics, B.Sc in subjects like Computer Science, Mathematics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Psychology, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. B.Com with subjects like Commerce, Corporate Secretaryship Bank Management and Business Administration also can be opted for.

In regular courses, Ethiraj College for Women offers M.A. in courses like- Economics, English Literature, History, Business Economics, Tamil, Human Rights and Duties Education. These are all financed by University Grants Commission (UGC). Amongst other courses offered at postgraduate level, the subjects are- Masters degree in Commerce (M.Com), M.Sc in Zoology and Chemistry.

Self-financed courses at postgraduate level also are offered by Ethiraj College for Women. These are-- M.Sc. in Plant Biology & Plant Bio-Technology, Mathematics, Foods and Nutrition and Physics; M.Com in Commerce & Corporate Secretaryship; MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MCA (Master of Computer Application).

Specialisations for full time M.Phil Programme offered by Ethiraj College are-- English Literature, Economics, History, Commerce, Tamil, Zoology, Chemistry and Mathematics. One also can pursue Ph.D in Economics, History, English literature, Tamil and Zoology.

The alumni association of Ethiraj College for Women is very active and provides scholarship to the needy and deserving students. It is called the Old Students Association (OSA).