Graceland University is a private non-profit liberal arts university that is supported by the Community of Christ. It is committed to excellent higher education based on the primary values of caring and concern. It seeks to bring out the best in all students through its variety of academic programs. It offers education for successful careers, advanced education, and rewarding lives. It is dedicated to establishing a close and supporting academic community that starts with enrollment and lasts a lifetime. The core values of Graceland University include the development of every student as a whole including physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development; lifelong learning and free pursuit of truth; and a diverse community of learners that build personal relationships with each other. The university persistently supports its academic programs and continuously seeks new and innovative educational methods to meet the needs of a constantly changing body of students.
Graceland University offers 60 bachelor degree programs through 36 undergraduate majors as well as three master degree programs in religion, nursing, and education. The liberal arts tradition is embedded into the curricula of all programs with the enhancement of career-oriented practical opportunities. Faculty members are highly qualified and they stand out for their instruction and engagement in studious, inventive, and professional activities. Along with the administration and staff, faculty members have a deep sense of caring for students and are devoted to their success at the academic, professional, and personal levels. Graceland University provides a learning environment that nurtures personal growth and promotes lifelong learning.
Graceland University offers online programs that are easily accessible and incorporate the same standards of academic excellence as traditional campus-based programs. The online programs are accredited, affordable, and convenient and are intended to meet the needs of working professionals. The programs are delivered via the eCollege online platform that is easy to navigate and features round-the-clock technical assistance. The online programs are committed to student success and support counselors provide assistance to students throughout their academic journey. Online programs are offered at the bachelor and master degree levels such as a Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management, Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing, Master of Education, and Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing. Some programs require short visits to the campus for clinical experiences.
The RLDS Church founded Graceland University as Graceland College in 1895. The college was granted accreditation in 1917, and it became Iowa’s first accredited junior college. In 1960, Graceland became a four-year college. It first awarded bachelor degrees in 1968. In 1989, the Graceland Partnership Program was founded. Graceland College changed its name to Graceland University in 2000. Today, the university enrolls about 2,300 students.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Graceland University.
Schools of Education
- College of Fine Arts
- Division of Health and Movement Science
- Division of Humanities
- Division of Science and Math
- Division of Social Science
- Edmund J. Gleazer School of Education
- C.H. Sandage School of Business
Scholarships Offered
Graceland University offers several grants and scholarships based on merit and financial need including performance grants, faith-based aid, competitive scholarships, and merit scholarships. The grants and scholarships include the Founders Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, Faith Commitment Grant, Community of Christ Study and Faith Scholarship, Community of Christ Leadership Loan/Grant, Community of Christ Employee Grant, President’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, Prestigious Honors and Honors Scholarship, The Vision Scholarship, Wallace B. Smith Grant, Honors Program Scholarship, Ackerley Computer Science and Technology Scholarship, Alumni Endowed Scholarship, Worthington Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship, Evelyn Phinney Make a Difference Scholarship, Athletic Training Scholarship, and Cochran Scholarship, and Merit Scholarship. It also offers instrumental music grants or vocal music grants, art grants, and theatre grants.
Financing Options
Graceland University participates in federal and state financial aid programs. The federal programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, National Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity (SEOG) Grant, William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, Federal Ford Direct Parent Loan for Students (PLUS) Loan, and Federal Work Study. Additionally, many states offer financial aid programs. Graceland University also offers an interest-free payment plan that allows students to pay their tuition and fees in monthly payments.
Credit Earning Options
Graceland University awards credits for previous coursework completed at other accredited colleges or universities. All transfer courses must have earned a C or better. Students are able to transfer up to 75 credits from a two-year institution. The university also grants credits military experiences and for examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP) examinations and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students must submit official transcripts and other necessary information to gain credit.