Anderson University, Indiana

Anderson University (AU) is a private Christian liberal arts institution in Anderson, Indiana, which is about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis. It was established in 1917 by the Church of God movement as the Anderson Bible Training School. As the school developed a wider general education program, the name was changed to Anderson College and Theological Seminary, then to Anderson College, and finally, Anderson University.

Anderson has grown to include seven schools: 1) Falls School of Business; 2) School of Education; 3) School of Humanities and Behavioral Science; 4) School of Music, Theatre, and Dance; 5) School of Nursing and Kinesiology; 6) School of Theology and Christian Ministry; and 7) School of Science and Engineering.

Anderson University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Independent Colleges of Indiana Society. It depends on funds from tuition, fees, research grants, the philanthropic Lilly Endowment, private scholarship funds, and alumni contributions. AU is recognized among America’s top colleges by Colleges of Distinction, US News & World Report, College Consensus, and The Princeton Review.

Academics

Anderson University provides students with a rigorous and engaging learning experience that emphasizes the knowledge, intellectual skills, and conceptual frameworks central to each discipline. Upon graduation, Anderson students are prepared to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities to their vocational calling.

“Whether you want to tell stories that compel people to think differently, improve the health of others, push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, or further the Kingdom in ministry, Anderson University shares that passion and is committed to helping you discover your calling, your path, and your purpose.”

From Business and Nursing to Cybersecurity and Dance, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Music, as well as graduate programs in business, music, and theology. With AU’s 3-year-degree options, you can earn a fully-accredited 4-year-degree in your choice of 27 different majors in just 3 years. 

“At Anderson University, our mission is to educate students for a life of faith and service in the church and society. We invite students to come as they are, and discover who they are meant to be. Our students learn from professors who practice their discipline in the field, challenge you intellectually, and help you grow spiritually.”

Student Activities

AU offers over 100 extracurricular opportunities in fine arts, athletics, academics, and special interests/hobbies for the approximately 1,600 students who call Anderson University home.

Campus Ministries seek to foster intentional Christian discipleship and spiritual growth in order to help students experience Christ as the living center of their life, and required chapel attendance for students is an Anderson University tradition. Students regularly participate in music and worship leadership with all events coordinated by the school’s campus pastor.

Social clubs also play an important role on campus as they put on annual events and service projects. Each club strives to set examples for other students on campus and gives back to the community of Anderson in some way related to AU’s core values. Anderson University’s five core values are: Integrity, Excellence, Servant Leadership, Responsibility, and Generosity.

Athletics

The Anderson Ravens compete in athletics in the NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Women’s sports offered at AU include basketball, softball, lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, soccer, golf, cross country, swimming, track & field.

Men’s sports include football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, tennis, golf, soccer, cross country, swimming, and track & field. Anderson University also offers Men’s Volleyball, Rugby, and Men’s Lacrosse as club sports.

BestColleges.com voted Anderson University as one of the country’s top 25 colleges for intramural sports. In the Fall they have: Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Spikeball, Wiffleball, Volleyball, Team Handball, KanJam, and Floor Hockey. In the Spring they have: Basketball, Indoor Soccer, Pool Volleyball, Corn Hole, Softball, Outdoor Soccer, and Badminton.

Music

The Krannert Fine Arts Center includes a fully equipped digital studio for students to learn the basics in recording concepts. A student-run company, Orangehaus Records, is one of only a few professional record labels affiliated with a university in the United States. Anderson alumni who became famous singers and songwriters include: Stephen Curtis Chapman, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Sandi Patty, Doug Oldham, and THE WLDLFE.

Homeschool Applicants

“As you transition to college from homeschool education, new friendships, new opportunities, and new adventures are waiting. To help the excitement overcome any anxiety about transitioning to college, we want you to be prepared! Faculty at Anderson University are dedicated to helping you balance your studies with faith and academic perspectives. We want your academic journey to translate into a successful career with the support and encouragement of a small campus family. Discover early connections and curriculum resources available to you along with a helpful FAQ to answer any additional questions about the application process at AU.” For more information about applying to Anderson University as a homeschooler, see: https://anderson.edu/admissions/homeschool

First Year Experience

When you register for classes, you will automatically be enrolled in the First-Year Seminar. The First-Year Experience program is designed to support new students as they become fully connected and active members of the Anderson University community. The First-Year Experience focuses on making connections with other students, a faculty mentor, and many institutional resources. The FYE Program includes orientation, academic courses, and a mentoring program. Each mentor group consists of 16-18 first-year students and is led by a faculty mentor and student peer mentor. Mentors work with students during the first semester to walk with students and help provide opportunities for them to succeed. Faculty at Anderson University are dedicated to helping you balance your studies with faith and academic perspectives.

NOTE: There are two private Christian universities with the same name. Anderson University IN, which is affiliated with the Church of God, is not related to Anderson University SC, which is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.