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Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Pro Corona et Foedere Christi”(For the Crown and Covenant of Christ; For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ (second motto))

1887
Founded
Private university
Type
3,815
Total Students
4,024
Undergrad
590
Graduate
$61M
Endowment
(2025)
$36K
Tuition (In-State)
$36K
Tuition (Out-State)
$25K
Avg Net Price
63%
Acceptance Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
6-year
85%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Thomas White

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Cedarville University

Cedarville University: A vibrant institution rooted in faith, committed to academic excellence and growth since 1887.

Cedarville University stands as a testament to enduring educational and spiritual principles, having grown from its Presbyterian roots in 1887 to become a thriving private university. Guided by its motto, "Pro Corona et Foedere Christi" (For the Crown and Covenant of Christ), Cedarville offers a distinctive academic experience for over 6,300 students. It's a place where tradition meets forward-thinking growth, preparing students for meaningful lives and careers.

The university's journey is marked by significant transformations. Chartered in 1887, Cedarville College started classes in 1892, evolving through the challenges of two World Wars and the Great Depression under the leadership of early presidents like Wilbert McChesney and Ira Vayhinger. A pivotal moment arrived in 1953 when Cedarville College merged with the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland, profoundly shaping its identity and mission. This merger, led by figures like Leonard Webster, cemented Cedarville's affiliation with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches and set the stage for its modern era.

The subsequent presidencies were periods of remarkable expansion and accreditation. James T. Jeremiah's tenure from 1954 to 1978 saw the institution transform into an accredited university, with enrollment soaring past 1,200 students. This legacy of growth continued under Paul H. Dixon, who, over 25 years, oversaw $100 million in facility construction and doubled the campus size from 180 to 400 acres. Cedarville today is renowned for its commitment to a comprehensive educational experience, fostering an environment where students can excel academically and spiritually.

With modern facilities and a growing student body, Cedarville provides a dynamic campus environment designed to support student success. The dedication to its founding principles combined with continuous investment in its infrastructure ensures a rich and engaging experience for prospective students and their families, preparing them to serve with purpose in a complex world.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1887 as Cedarville College, initially chartered by the New Light Reformed Presbyterian Church.
  • ✦A private university currently serving 6,384 students.
  • ✦Operates with a substantial endowment of $0.1 billion.
  • ✦Pivotal merger in 1953 with the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland, shaping its modern identity.
  • ✦Achieved accredited institution status and saw enrollment grow to over 1,200 students under President James T. Jeremiah (1954-1978).
  • ✦Expanded campus from 180 to 400 acres and invested $100 million in new facilities under President Paul H. Dixon (1978-2003).
  • ✦Motto: "Pro Corona et Foedere Christi" (For the Crown and Covenant of Christ).

Timeline

1887
Cedarville College chartered by the New Light Reformed Presbyterian Church
1892
First classes of Cedarville College held
1915
Wilbert McChesney begins his 25-year tenure as president, guiding the college through WWI and the Depression
1940
Alumnus Walter Smith Kilpatrick becomes president, navigating financial challenges and WWII
1953
Cedarville College merges with the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland; Leonard Webster becomes president
1954
James T. Jeremiah begins his transformative 24-year presidency, leading to accreditation and significant enrollment growth
1978
Paul H. Dixon becomes president, overseeing $100 million in facility construction and campus expansion to 400 acres over 25 years
🏛️
139 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Thomas White
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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