Park University

Step into the rich legacy of Park University, a private institution founded in 1875 with a truly pioneering spirit. Originally known as Park College, it was born from a visionary "Parkville Experiment" by John A. McAfee, offering students free tuition and board in exchange for their labor on the college's farm, electrical shop, or printing plant. This unique model not only provided education but also instilled a deep sense of community and hands-on experience, famously seen in the student-led construction of the iconic Mackay Hall, a landmark overlooking the Missouri River.

Park University's commitment to diverse education is longstanding, welcoming its first international student from Japan in 1880. For over a century, the university has maintained a profound relationship with the military, evolving from an initial connection in 1889 to comprehensive Military Degree Completion Programs in the late 1960s and the establishment of the Military Resident Center System in 1972. This dedication to service members highlights an inclusive and accessible educational environment.

Today, Park University continues to innovate and expand its reach, especially through its early adoption of online learning in 1996, which has significantly broadened its student body of 4,949. While no longer formally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, the university upholds its founding values of "Fides et Labor" (Faith and Labor), providing a robust and engaging experience for prospective students and their families. Students at Park aren't just earning a degree; they're becoming part of a history built on hard work, community, and forward-thinking education.