Pierson College is one of Yale's twelve residential colleges and is home to its more than 500 students from freshman to senior years. Entering freshman are placed in a residential college and remain in that college throughout the duration of their academic careers at Yale College, even though a majority (including Pierson freshman) are housed on Old Campus. While only sophomores, juniors, and seniors reside in the actual College proper, freshman are tightly integrated into the Pierson community through its dining and social scenes, as well as a number of events and activities.

Pierson was renovated in the 2003-2004 academic year, while Davenport, its neighbor, was finished in the 2004-2005 year. The two share a large number of basement facilities, which are open to students in both colleges.