Held during May 1996, thirty-two Division I college softball teams contested the championship.
The 1996 Women's College World Series was held in Columbus, Georgia from May 23 through May 27 and marked the conclusion of the 1996 NCAA Division I softball season.
This marked the last time that the Women's College World Series was held in a city other than Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and previewed Golden Park's hosting of softball events for the 1996 Summer Olympics.
[1] Arizona won their fourth NCAA championship by defeating Washington 6–4 in the final game.
Arizona second baseman Jenny Dalton was named Women's College World Series Most Outstanding Player.