Spalding University

Louisville, KY

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

597

Total Students

$28K

Tuition (In-State)

$28K

Tuition (Out-State)

$24K

Avg Net Price

99%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Graduation Rate

6-year

70%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

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

About Spalding University

A historic Louisville university, Spalding builds on a 200-year legacy of inclusive education.

Spalding University stands as a beacon of enduring education in Kentucky, tracing its remarkable lineage back to 1814 with the founding of Nazareth Academy by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. This makes it one of the oldest educational institutions west of the Alleghenies, an impressive historical foundation that continues to shape its identity. Named in honor of Mother Catherine Spalding, the university has a rich heritage of pioneering higher education, notably becoming Kentucky's first four-year Catholic college for women when Nazareth College opened in Louisville in 1920.

Over two centuries, Spalding has evolved significantly, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to accessibility and innovation. Originally chartered to confer degrees in 1829, the institution expanded its reach and moved all instructional activity to its Louisville campus by 1971. A pivotal moment arrived in 1973 when Spalding became co-educational and, crucially, an independent college within the Catholic tradition, welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds to its vibrant academic community.

Today, as Spalding University since 1984, it continues its mission to provide a transformative educational experience. Students benefit from a legacy built on a pioneering spirit, a commitment to diversity, and a deep-rooted history in the heart of Louisville. While the provided information does not detail specific academic departments, Spalding's long journey from a foundational academy to a modern university underscores a robust and adaptable academic environment prepared to serve diverse learners.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1814 as Nazareth Academy, making it one of the oldest educational institutions west of the Alleghenies.
✦Named after Mother Catherine Spalding, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
✦Granted a charter by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1829, allowing it to confer degrees early in its history.
✦Established Kentucky's first four-year Catholic college for women (Nazareth College) in 1920.
✦Became co-educational and an independent college in the Catholic tradition, open to students of all faiths and backgrounds, in 1973.
✦Officially became Spalding University in 1984, signifying its comprehensive academic offerings.

Timeline

1814

Founded as Nazareth Academy by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Nelson County.

1829

Legislature granted a charter, allowing the school to confer degrees.

1920

Nazareth College opened in Louisville, becoming Kentucky's first four-year Catholic college for women.

1940

The original Nazareth Junior College campus was folded into the main campus in Louisville.

1961

Nazareth College split into Nazareth College at Nazareth and Catherine Spalding College.

1969

Reunited into one institution, Spalding College.

1971

All instructional activity moved to the Louisville campus.

1973

Became co-educational and an independent college in the Catholic tradition, open to all faiths.

1984

Spalding College became Spalding University.

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