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Wabash College

Crawfordsville, IN

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Scientiae et Virtuti (Latin)(For Knowledge and Virtue)

Private liberal arts men's college
Type
835
Undergrad
$465M
Endowment
(2025)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Scott E. Feller

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

About Wabash College

Wabash College: Cultivating critical thinkers and responsible leaders through a distinctive men's liberal arts education.

Nestled in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Wabash College stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution, uniquely dedicated to the education of men. Guided by its enduring motto, "Scientiae et Virtuti" (For Knowledge and Virtue), Wabash fosters a close-knit community focused on intellectual rigor, character development, and leadership. It is one of only three non-religious, all-male, four-year colleges remaining in the United States, upholding a proud tradition that emphasizes deep personal growth and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Dating back to its founding in 1832 by visionary Presbyterian ministers and laymen, Wabash began as "The Wabash Teachers Seminary and Manual Labor College." Its origins are marked by a symbolic moment of founders kneeling in the snow, dedicating the campus to classical and English education for young men on the American frontier. Overcoming early challenges, including a devastating fire, the college quickly established a reputation for robust liberal arts, evolving to incorporate scientific education alongside its classical roots. Key reforms, like the early 20th-century "Wabash Plan," further cemented its commitment to a distinctive curriculum emphasizing faculty-student dialogue and comprehensive examinations.

Academically, Wabash is structured into three comprehensive divisions: natural sciences, humanities and arts, and social sciences. Students can explore a wide array of 36 majors and minors, with popular choices including rhetoric, economics, history, and biology. A hallmark of the Wabash experience is the rigorous senior comprehensive examination, a unique assessment featuring both written and oral components that challenges students to demonstrate profound mastery in their chosen disciplines. This demanding curriculum is designed to sharpen critical thinking, analytical skills, and intellectual independence.

Beyond academics, the Wabash experience is enriched by vibrant traditions and a strong sense of brotherhood. The college’s mission to "educate men to think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively, and live humanely" is woven into every aspect of student life. Cherished traditions like Chapel Sing, Ringing In and Out, and the passionate Monon Bell Classic rivalry against DePauw University define the student experience. With modern facilities, a dedicated faculty, and an exceptionally strong alumni network, Wabash continues to shape men who are prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Key Highlights

  • A private, all-men's liberal arts college, one of only three non-religious institutions of its kind in the U.S.
  • Established in 1832 with a rich history of intellectual and moral development.
  • Boasts an endowment of $465 million (as of 2025).
  • Serves approximately 835 undergraduate students with a focus on personalized education.
  • Offers 36 majors and minors across natural sciences, humanities and arts, and social sciences.
  • Features a distinctive senior comprehensive examination, including both written and oral components.
  • Renowned for cherished traditions like the Monon Bell Classic and a mission to develop critical thinkers and responsible leaders.

Timeline

1832
Founded as "The Wabash Teachers Seminary and Manual Labor College" by Presbyterian ministers and laymen.
1833
Classes officially began.
1835
Elihu W. Baldwin became the college's first president.
1838
Suffered a devastating fire, but quickly rebuilt.
1851
Renamed Wabash College.
1862
Joseph F. Tuttle began his 30-year presidency, during which campus buildings like Center Hall were added.
1903
President George L. Mackintosh instituted major reforms, including the influential "Wabash Plan."
1941
During World War II, trained Navy officers through the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
1992
Reaffirmed its identity as a men's college via a campus-wide referendum.
1996
Became the first college in America to stage Tony Kushner's *Angels in America*.

Leadership

Scott E. Feller
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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