Lebanon Valley College

Annville, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“Libertas per Veritatem (The truth shall set you free)”

1866

Founded

Private university

Type

340 acres

Campus

1,670

Total Students

1,729

Undergrad

186

Graduate

$98M

Endowment

(2024)

$50K

Tuition (In-State)

$50K

Tuition (Out-State)

$28K

Avg Net Price

75%

Acceptance Rate

73%

Graduation Rate

6-year

83%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: James M. MacLaren

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

About Lebanon Valley College

Pioneer of coeducation east of the Alleghenies since 1866, shaping minds for over 150 years.

Discover Lebanon Valley College, a private university established in 1866 that has proudly championed coeducation longer than any other institution east of the Allegheny Mountains. With a vibrant community of 1,915 students and a significant $0.1 billion endowment, LVC offers a rich educational experience rooted in its enduring motto: "Libertas per Veritatem" – The truth shall set you free.

LVC's journey began with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, a testament to its resilience as one of only four colleges to survive from the 34 founded by the denomination. From its humble beginnings in a single, repurposed Annville Academy building in 1866, the college quickly expanded, opening "North College" just two years later. This rapid growth set the stage for LVC's pioneering spirit and commitment to accessibility.

A defining characteristic of Lebanon Valley College is its groundbreaking commitment to coeducation. Though early curricula saw some differentiation – with the "Ladies Course" including modern languages and arts – the college catalog boldly declared by 1878 that experience showed no difference in men's and women's ability to master college courses, a remarkably progressive stance for its time. Beyond academics, early student life flourished with spirited literary societies, mixed socials, parades, and cherished traditions like the annual Chestnut Picnic, fostering a dynamic and inclusive community from the very start.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1866, with over 150 years of academic excellence.
✦A private university with a student body of 1,915.
✦Operates with a substantial $0.1 billion endowment.
✦Motto: "Libertas per Veritatem" (The truth shall set you free).
✦One of only four colleges to survive from 34 founded by the United Brethren in Christ Church.
✦Pioneering coeducation since 1867, making it the longest coeducational college east of the Allegheny Mountains.
✦Declared in its 1878 catalog that men and women showed no difference in their ability to master college courses, a progressive stance for its era.

Timeline

1866

Founded on February 23; classes began on May 7 in the Annville Academy building.

1867

College charter granted, specifically stating education for both sexes.

1868

"North College" opened, expanding the campus beyond the initial building.

1870

The first class graduated.

1878

College catalog declared no difference between men and women in their ability to master courses.

1946

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ merged with the Evangelical Association.

1968

The Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church, forming the United Methodist Church.

🏛️

160 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

James M. MacLaren

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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