[3] It was established in 1893 by the Potomac Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States as the Woman's College of Frederick.

Dr. Joseph Henry Apple, an educator from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, only 28 years of age at the time of his appointment, was named the college's first president.

[6] In this first year, eighty-three women enrolled, and were taught by eight faculty members in Winchester Hall, located on East Church Street in Frederick.

Hood, who gave $25,000 to establish an endowment for the college, and who firmly believed in higher education for women.

Today, except for Brodbeck Hall, which was built in the 1860s and stood on the campus at its founding, Alumnae Hall remains the oldest building on the college's campus and serves as the central location for the college's administration, also housing the sociology and social work department.

At his retirement, he was the oldest college president in continuous active service at a single institution in the United States.

[13] In October of that year the Hood College Board of Trustees voted to begin enrollment of men as commuter students.

[13] This led to public debate in The Blue and Grey, the Hood College campus newspaper, and letters to the student body from then-president Randle Elliot.

[16] In the fall of 2001, the Hood executive committee was charged by the board of trustees with the task of studying the possible impact of male resident students.

[18] This led to the creation of a co-education task force composed of students, alumnae, faculty and staff members.

[24] Begun in the 1980s, Midnight Breakfast is held each semester the night before final exams begin and is served by College faculty and staff.

[7] Located in the geographical center of Hood's residential quad since 1915, the Pergola is a wooden dome-like structure covered with wisteria.

Students are not to speak any harsh words under the Pergola or "split poles" with friends, as this might lead to a failed friendship after graduation.

Hood College has consistently been ranked in the U.S. News & World Report list for Best University in the Northeast.

[35] Each spring students selected by the academic departments make presentations of their completed year-long research projects.

In the spring of 2013, 22 seniors gave presentations on topics that varied from "First Generation College Students: Challenges and Solutions" to "Effects of Stream Nutrients on Salamander Species Diversity and Abundance."

Students in the Honors Program take an interdisciplinary seminar each semester, as well as participate in community service, study abroad or internships, and Senior Seminar, allowing students to choose a topic of broad interest and selecting a faculty member to teach the course.

This dates back to the 1920s when the campus elected a rising senior as the "White Sweater" girl as someone who possessed the most sportsmanship and school spirit.

Hood College student-athletes train in the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center, which includes Woodsboro Bank Arena.

The men's teams began competition in the CAC for the 2006–2007 academic year along with women's cross country and track and field.

[40] In November 2024, a public forum was held to discuss adding a Hood College baseball field to a city park near the campus.