Friends University is a private nondenominational Christian university in Wichita, Kansas. It was founded in 1898 as “a Christian University of Quaker heritage [that] equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.”
The main building was originally built in 1886 for Garfield University, but Garfield permanently closed its doors in 1893 due to financial difficulties. The property was purchased in 1898 by James Davis, a St. Louis businessman, who donated it to the Religious Society of Friends to use as a Quaker college.
In the 1930s, the leadership of the school was turned over to an independent board of trustees, with some representation of the Mid-America Yearly Meeting of Friends on the board. It operates today with “an amicable but independent relationship with the evangelical branch of the Society of Friends.”
Friends University is a welcoming community that fosters transformational learning through personal growth and achievement, enabling students to live a life of hope as a friend of Jesus.
Academics
Friends University grants a wide range of degrees through the College of Business, Arts, Sciences and Education (CBASE), the College of Adult and Professional Studies (Flex), and a Graduate School (GRAD). Friends University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The undergraduate school at Friends University offers degrees in Business, Education, Fine Arts, Natural Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Religion and Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Friends offers a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and a Bachelor of Science in Zoo Science, both of which are rarely offered by other institutions, as well as an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering.
For a complete list of undergraduate programs, online undergraduate programs, and graduate programs, click here: https://www.friends.edu/majors
Athletics
The Friends athletic teams are called the Falcons, with the mascot Freddy Falcon. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).
Friends University competes in 23 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and wrestling; women’s sports include basketball, cross country, competitive cheerleading (coed), dance (coed) golf, powerlifting, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling.
Campus Life
Friends University is not only a place of learning but a center of faith, family and fun. Wichita has been named an All-American City four times since 1962, and it ranks among the top 32 cities nationally for quality of life. In fact, Money Magazine recently named the Wichita community a “Top 10 Best Place to Live.”
Getting involved in student organizations and recreation activities is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people and do something that interests you. You can also make a difference in the lives of others through a variety of service and leadership programs. Volunteers are always needed, and at Friends University, you will have many opportunities to share your time and talents.
With top-notch dance, drama, music and art programs, clubs and ensembles, the Fine Art Department at Friends University has a track record of producing wonderful professional contemporary artists. The Singing Quakers choir has traveled the globe to many locations including most of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Australia, and Austria.
The Apprentice Institute at Friends University was created with the intention of promoting higher-level thinking, deeper conversation and a creative track for growing closer to God. It aims to equip and encourage people to live good and beautiful lives that will change the world around them.
Homeschool Applicants
Applicants who completed a home school education can pursue Friends University admission through the traditional admission process. Learn more here: https://www.friends.edu/undergraduate/requirements
