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Guilford College

Greensboro, NC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Sapientium atque virtutum molior(I am striving for wisdom and virtue)

1837
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
340 acres
Campus
1,011
Total Students
$93M
Endowment
(2021)
$41K
Tuition (In-State)
$41K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
84%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
6-year
66%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Jean Parvin Bordewich (acting){{cite web |url=https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15711330/guilford-college-president-steps-down-amid-financial-challenges |title=Guilford College President Steps Down Amid Financial Challenges

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

About Guilford College

Guilford College: A Quaker legacy of peace, justice, and pioneering co-education in the South.

Guilford College, established in 1837, stands as a uniquely significant private liberal arts institution in Greensboro, North Carolina. It holds the distinction of being the only Quaker-founded college in the southeastern United States and the very first co-educational college in the South. Rooted deeply in its Quaker heritage, Guilford inspires its community with the motto "Sapientium atque virtutum molior"—"I am striving for wisdom and virtue"—a guiding principle for its approximately 1,429 students.

The college's academic offerings reflect its profound historical commitment to social justice and peace. Prospective students interested in making a tangible difference will find distinctive majors such as Peace and Conflict Studies and Community and Justice Studies. The 340-acre suburban campus itself is a living piece of history, recognized as a National Historic District since 1990, and notably served as a crucial meeting point for the Underground Railroad, led by abolitionist Levi Coffin, whose childhood home was on the land.

Guilford College fosters a vibrant learning environment for both traditional students and those attending its Center for Continuing Education (CCE). While the college has navigated significant financial challenges in recent years, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment to its mission, it continues to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Guilford College remains dedicated to preparing students to pursue wisdom and virtue, empowering them to become engaged citizens in a complex world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1837 as New Garden Boarding School, it was the first co-educational college in the South.
  • The only Quaker-founded college in the southeastern United States.
  • Campus designated a National Historic District since 1990, with historic ties to the Underground Railroad.
  • Offers distinctive majors like Peace and Conflict Studies and Community and Justice Studies, reflecting its Quaker heritage.
  • Approximately 1,429 students pursue a liberal arts education on a 340-acre suburban campus in Greensboro, NC.
  • Guided by the inspiring Latin motto: "Sapientium atque virtutum molior" (I am striving for wisdom and virtue).

Timeline

1837
Founded as New Garden Boarding School by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
1888
Became a four-year liberal arts college under its current name, Guilford College.
1990
Campus considered a National Historic District by the United States Department of the Interior.
2020
Announced significant financial challenges and a plan to reduce majors and faculty, leading to a faculty no-confidence vote.
2021
Began major fundraising efforts, pausing layoff plans. Kyle Farmbry became Guilford's 10th president (Jan 1, 2022).
2023
Placed on probation by SACSCOC due to ongoing severe financial challenges.
2024
President Farmbry resigned; Jean Parvin Bordewich appointed acting president in December.
~2025/2026
SACSCOC removed the institution's probationary status after significant cost reductions and increased fundraising.
🏛️
189 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Jean Parvin Bordewich (acting){{cite web |url=https://www.diverseeducation.com/faculty-staff/article/15711330/guilford-college-president-steps-down-amid-financial-challenges |title=Guilford College President Steps Down Amid Financial Challenges
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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