Bryn Mawr is a self-governed institution. Its Self-Government Association, formed in 1892, is the oldest such organization in the United States. A significant aspect of self-government is the Academic Honor System, or Honor Code.

Bryn Mawr and Haverford College form the Bi-College community. Students in the Bi-Co enjoy unlimited cross-registration privileges and may choose to major or reside at the other institution. The two institutions join with Swarthmore College to form the Tri-College community. Free shuttles are provided between the three campuses. In addition, the Tri-Co is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania through the Quaker Consortium. Bryn Mawr students in the Growth and Structure of Cities department may earn a B.A. at Bryn Mawr in conjunction with a Master of [City Planning at Penn through the 3-2 Program in City and Regional Planning.