Photo: Gordon College. Retrieved from: www.gordon.edu
Gordon College is considered to be one of the top ranked Christian colleges in the country, with high recognition for their visual arts and performance programs. Providing a strong and close-knit community among students and faculty members is one of the core values that the College was built on. Faculty members are experienced and educated leaders in their field, helping students to advance themselves both academically and practically in the professional world.
Students at Gordon College have the ability to develop and enhance their leadership skills and qualities, separating themselves from the competition in the work place. Gordon College believes in both educating and inspiring students to remain actively involved in their community on and off campus; spreading Christian views on civility by paying it forward rather than imposing values on others. At Gordon College, students are surrounded in a diverse atmosphere that allows them to grow and mature academically, spiritually and individually.
School History
Gordon College was founded in 1889 by Rev. A.J. Gordon as the Boston Missionary Training School, in an attempt to educate young Christians, and prepare them for ministry and community service work within the community. Initially operating in the basement of a church, Gordon gradually grew to occupy space in the Newton Theological Institute as well. Over the years, the College began to implement a more liberal arts based curriculum to provide students with more diverse education and program selections. During the late 1800s, the school received funding from Martha Frost, and was able to relocate to a better suited facility in Boston.
Gordon College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, actively renewing their accreditation every ten years.
During the 1940s, Gordon College again outgrew its facility and purchased land from the Wenham estates to rebuild a larger campus. It was then that Gordon College made its final move to the where the campus remains today. In light of the Christian heritage, Gordon College sold its old facility to the Wentworth Institution of Technology, as the Institute was building their foundation as well. By 1970, Gordon separated from the Theology school that had operated within the structure to form a merger with the Cornwell School of Theology. In 1985, the College merged with Barrington College and was officially chartered as Gordon College.
Campus Life
Campus life is surrounded by encouragement, liveliness and high spirits. Since the majority of students live on campus, there are daily events, meetings and performances for students to participate in. Students are encouraged to interact with peers, faculty and their community actively. There are plenty of programs at Gordon College that offer students the opportunity to study abroad, obtain internships in their field studies and get involved with international outreach programs to develop irreplaceable leadership and communication skills. For those students who prefer to keep their learning experience within campus grounds, there is the option of Student Government and Campus events Council that enable them the opportunity to develop their leadership qualities and individuality.
Whether academically, professionally or athletically motivated, Gordon College provides a wide array of special interest groups, organizations and sports teams that encourage students to optimize their college experience. Students work together to develop new organizations and groups routinely, incorporating special interest groups that keep all students involved and intellectually stimulated.
Residence life on campus is just lively and entertaining. With over 90% of students living on campus, there are plenty of housing options such as residence halls, apartment style buildings and townhouses. Many students choose to pledge to one of the sorority or fraternity houses located on campus, becoming an active part of Greek Life. Members of the student life staff reside in each of the housing facilities to ensure that students remain safe and assisted at all times.
Financial Aid
Students at Gordon College are encouraged to take advantage of the Office of Financial Aid to obtain funding for school. Counselors are available to assist students in exploring all of the options that may be available to them including scholarships, awards, grants and loan options. Many students are eligible for merit based scholarships offered at Gordon College which can cover from $1,500 to full tuition costs. The College accepts all forms of government funding such as TAP and FAFSA loans.
Financial aid counselors are able to assist students and family members with any questions they may have about financial aid or repayment options while attending school. All students are eligible to participate in the work-study program that offers employment positions located on and off campus to help students pay for expenses. Need-based grants are available and awarded based on special circumstances and individual reasoning.
