Earlham College

For families exploring higher education steeped in tradition and progressive values, Earlham College stands as a beacon. Founded in 1847, this venerable institution began its journey as the Friends Boarding School, dedicated to the religious education of Quaker youth. By 1859, it transformed into Earlham College, marking a significant milestone as the third Quaker college in the United States and, notably, the second U.S. institution of higher education to embrace coeducation. This pioneering spirit, combined with its deep Quaker roots, has shaped a distinctive educational experience.

Earlham’s commitment to an inclusive environment quickly became evident, as it opened its doors to non-Quaker students by 1865, broadening its community and intellectual discourse. Named after Earlham Hall, the ancestral home of an important English Quaker family, the college has consistently evolved, reflecting the progressive nature of Quakerism in America while remaining steadfast to its core principles of peace, social justice, and integrity. This balance of tradition and forward-thinking ensures a unique and values-driven atmosphere for students.

Prospective students will find a campus that celebrates its heritage while actively shaping its future. The establishment of the Earlham School of Religion in 1960, for instance, underscored its ongoing dedication to spiritual and academic leadership within the Quaker tradition. More recently, in 2017, the college further demonstrated its commitment to diversity by appointing its first African-American president. Earlham College offers an engaging narrative of intellectual pursuit and ethical living, inviting students to become part of a community with a rich past and a vibrant future.