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Allen University is a four-year co-educational liberal arts school in Columbia, South Carolina. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen University is one of 105 historically black universities in the nation.
The school’s motto, “We teach the mind to think, the hands to work and the heart to love” sums up the ideas and practices administrators at Allen University hope to pass on to their students. It’s the mission of administrators to teach their students to become leaders who can not only communicate their thoughts effectively but think critically. They hope that by providing an environment of academic excellence, they can help their students succeed in both their professional and private lives.
Like a true liberal arts school, Allen University offers students many majors to choose from. Whether a student is interested in biochemistry, organizational management, or professional writing a student is guaranteed to get a well-rounded education.
School History
Founded in 1870 under the name of Payne Institute, the school provided education to newly freed slaves after the Civil War. It wasn’t until 1880 that the school was changed to Allen University in honor of Bishop Richard Allen who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Along with the name change the college moved from its original home in Cokesbury, South Carolina, to Columbia.
Allen University is the first institute in South Carolina founded by African-Americans to help educate African-Americans. Through the years, the college has been home to many Bishops, Professors, and Congressmen and continues to celebrate faith, excellence, and integrity.
Notable alumni of Allen University include former football players Sam Davis and George Harold and civil rights leader Joseph DeLaine. Current South Carolina senator, Kay Patterson is also an alumna of Allen University.
Campus Life
Allen University is located in a large city, giving students many academic and fun activities in which to participate. Students can get internships or part-time jobs in the city or enjoy the culture Columbia has to offer them.
On campus, students live in dorms separated by gender, or single person apartments. Ninety-three percent of students live on campus, and housing is offered to all students. While on campus students can take part in many organizations such as fraternities, sororities, honors societies, and civic, religious, and social organizations. Students can also cheer on the Fighting Yellow Jackets in sports such as basketball, volleyball and track and field.
Financial Aid
Nearly 92% of Allen University students receive financial aid. Whether its scholarships, loans, work-study options or grants, the financial aid department at Allen University wants to make sure that students can get a higher education.
Costing around $20,000 a year, Allen University is a cheaper option for students who want an excellent education at an affordable price. The university assists 100% of the students who are found to need financial aid. The average award package is around $5,000. Upon graduation, students can expect to be $13,000 in debt.
