The roots of Oxford College began as a women’s high school in 1831, later becoming the Oxford Female Academy in 1839. The Oxford Female Academy, founded by Bethania Crocker, was later chartered in 1849 and led by John Witherspoon Scott. Renamed the Oxford Female Institute, it outgrew its initial space before disputes surrounding expansion eventually led to the creation of the Oxford Female College, chartered in 1854. The Oxford Female Institute and Oxford Female College eventually merged in 1867. It was renamed Oxford College in 1890, and by 1906 was rechartered and renamed the Oxford College for Women.

The Oxford College for women began conferring bachelor degrees in 1886 and established a reputation for emphasizing Christian values, training teachers, and providing scholarships to daughters of ministers. When the college closed, the building and its alumnae were absorbed into Miami University. Prior to being absorbed by Miami in 1925, the building served as a sanitarium.

“Ox College” became a Miami residence hall and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The building still stands, and later became the Oxford Community Arts Center in 2001.

One notable alumna of Oxford College was Caroline Scott Harrison, the 23rd First Lady of the United States, wife of Benjamin Harrison.