William Woods University

Fulton, MO

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,061

Total Students

$29K

Tuition (In-State)

$29K

Tuition (Out-State)

$22K

Avg Net Price

74%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Graduation Rate

6-year

74%

Retention Rate

Doctoral/Professional Universities

Classification

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

About William Woods University

William Woods University: From post-Civil War orphanage to a dynamic, co-educational university.

William Woods University offers a rich educational journey, rooted in a commitment to adaptation and opportunity. What began as a refuge for young women has blossomed into a comprehensive university, recognized for its forward-thinking approach to education and its welcoming, co-educational campus.

The university's story starts in 1870 as the Female Orphan School, created to support girls impacted by the Civil War. This foundational compassion set the stage for its continuous evolution. It expanded its mission over the years, relocating to Fulton and broadening its programs to meet the changing needs of young women, from aspiring teachers to those seeking a full college experience. A significant milestone was becoming William Woods College in 1900, honoring benefactor William S. Woods, and later transforming into a four-year institution in 1962, anticipating women's growing roles in the workforce.

Today, William Woods University stands as a testament to its commitment to diverse learning paths. In 1992, it proudly became William Woods University, introducing a wide array of graduate-level degree programs specifically designed for working adults. This dedication ensures that students have access to flexible and relevant academic opportunities that prepare them for success in various professional fields.

Adding to its progressive history, William Woods embraced co-education in 1997, opening its doors to male students and creating a vibrant, inclusive community. Students at William Woods benefit from a legacy of support and a dynamic academic environment that fosters growth, learning, and connection, all within a university that has consistently adapted to empower its students for over a century.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1870 as the Female Orphan School, initially aiding girls orphaned during the American Civil War.
✦Evolved significantly, expanding from a two-year college program (beginning in 1900) to a four-year institution by 1962.
✦Renamed William Woods University in 1992, signaling the introduction of a wide variety of graduate-level degree programs, geared toward working adults.
✦Became a co-educational institution in 1997, welcoming male students to its campus.
✦Host to a notable 1952 commencement address by future U.S. President Ronald Reagan, one of his oldest surviving speeches.
✦Named in honor of major benefactor William S. Woods, then president of the National Bank of Commerce.

Timeline

1870

Founded as the Female Orphan School in Camden Point, Missouri.

1900

Changed its name to William Woods College and began offering a two-year college program.

1952

Future U.S. President Ronald Reagan gave a commencement address at the college.

1962

Became a four-year college, anticipating changes in the role of American women in the labor force.

1992

Changed its name to William Woods University and began offering graduate-level degree programs.

1997

Went co-education by accepting male students on campus.

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