Final answer:
Northwestern University, mistakenly noted in the question as being founded in Boston in 1898, is in Evanston, Illinois, established in 1851. Women's colleges such as Mount Holyoke, Vassar, Smith, and Wellesley opened between 1865 and 1880, offering higher education and professional opportunities for women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The query regarding Northwestern University's founding location contains a misstatement; Northwestern University is indeed located in Evanston, Illinois, but it was established there in 1851, not Boston in 1898. The question may be confusing Northwestern University with another institution. Concerning women's colleges, it is notable that during the latter half of the 19th century, several prestigious women's colleges were founded, creating new opportunities for higher education for women. Among these, Mount Holyoke College was established in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1837, and was one of the pioneering women's colleges along with Vassar College, Smith College, and Wellesley College, which opened their doors between 1865 and 1880. These institutions offered an all-female environment where young women could pursue higher education and careers, particularly in teaching and social reform.