Cedarville University is a private Baptist university in southwest Ohio, founded in 1887 “for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.” Cedarville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and is recognized nationally for its rigorous academic programs, accredited professional and health science offerings, strong graduation and retention rates, and leading student satisfaction ratings.
According to its mission statement, Cedarville University is “a Christ-centered learning community equipping students for lifelong leadership and service through an education marked by excellence and grounded in biblical truth.” All students are required to attend weekday chapel services on campus in the Dixon Ministry Center. Students are also encouraged to participate in community service and ministry programs off campus.
Academics
As one of the top Christian colleges in the greater Midwest, Cedarville University attracts 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students to more than 150 areas of study, which cover most areas of the liberal arts, the sciences, professional programs, and theological studies. Cedarville also offers 40 minors, including a five-class (15-credit-hour) Bible minor, which is required for all students.
The university awards graduate degrees in the areas of nursing (M.S.N.), business (M.B.A.), ministry (M.Min. and M.Div.) and pharmacy (Pharm.D.). The Doctor of Pharmacy degree is Cedarville’s only doctoral degree and provides patient care services and student education through Cedar Care Pharmacy and the Center for Pharmacy Innovation. All of the professional programs are accredited by their respective accrediting agencies.
Cedarville University employs more than 200 faculty in several academic departments and the schools of engineering, education, business, pharmacy, nursing, and biblical and theological studies. Academic faculty must be born-again Christians and are required to commit to “biblical integration in and out of the classroom.”
Homeschool Students
Cedarville is a popular choice for homeschooled students. Between 15-20% of students on campus are homeschool graduates! Many faculty and staff members homeschool their children. Dr. Thomas White, the college president, is also a homeschooling dad! Dr. White recorded a video in which he highlights what makes Cedarville University homeschool-friendly. The Student Life Blog also answers FAQs from homeschool students.
Cedarville has a faithful and rich tradition of supporting homeschool parents with events and classes that build on the strong, home-based, value-centered education they provide their children. Dr. Lori Ferguson, assistant professor of education and assistant dean of the school of education, noted: “It’s really a win-win. My students get to practice teaching while the homeschool students get to learn from multiple teachers in stations that spark interest.”
Reaching beyond the local and younger homeschool community, Cedarville’s dual-enrollment College Now program provides 7th-12th-grade students from all educational backgrounds the opportunity to enroll in online college courses at a discounted price. And when applying as an undergraduate student at Cedarville, homeschool graduates are eligible for the same financial aid as other students.
Cedarville will not require a standardized test score as a requirement for admission for students entering any term through spring 2023. You will have to submit a homeschool transcript showing all academic course information from the first year of high school through graduation. Please follow Cedarville’s transcript requirements. Also, be prepared to submit a brief written testimony demonstrating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and evidence of a consistent Christian lifestyle.
Campus Life
The university’s main campus and facilities are located in the village of Cedarville, Ohio. Since about 1970, the school has purchased and consolidated surrounding farm lands which now total approximately 400 acres to the north and west of the village. Elements of the school’s heritage remain on today’s campus in the form of one original building: Founder’s Hall (Old Main). The water tower of Cedarville University is an iconic landmark on the university campus.
The Cedarville Student Life Blog will tell you everything you need to know about what living on campus is like, as well as things to do in the area. Cedarville may be surrounded by corn fields, but it is also within 30 minutes of the nation’s finest antique shops, six major universities, premier bikeways, and numerous historic attractions.
Cedarville University is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association, the NCAA Division II, and the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. Cedarville athletes, known as the Yellow Jackets, maintain a focus on ministry and impacting the world for Christ while competing in 16 sports: men’s baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field; women’s basketball, cross-country, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and volleyball.
Honors & Awards
Cedarville University has been honored as one of the top-ranked Christian universities granting bachelor’s degrees, a “Best Value College,” a “best college” for studying the Bible, and one of the best universities in Ohio. Cedarville academic teams regularly win or rank in the top tier of national and international competitions. Notable alumni include constitutional law attorney Jenna Ellis, ABC News correspondent Paula Faris, and David Jeremiah, senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church. Schedule a visit today by calling 1-800-CEDARVILLE (233-2784) or going online.