Muhlenberg College

Photo by: Thomas Grim. Retrieved from: www.flickr.com

Muhlenberg College engages students on a four-year adventure seeking both academic and social development. Offering a high quality private education, the liberal arts based curriculum also offers a well-balanced assortment of science and human studies. The Drama and Theatre Department established at Muhlenberg College has achieved national recognition over the years and remains responsible for many of the most popular events held on campus each semester. Holding a strong affiliation to the Lutheran Church in the American Colonies, the College maintains strong roots in helping students develop into knowledgeable and well-prepared leaders in their communities and society.

The Muhlenberg College experience offers students an environment that promotes and encourages free thinking and creative thought. Inspiring students to challenge their education and open their minds to new perspectives is expedited in daily campus life and activities. However, inside the classroom, the low student-faculty ratio strengthens the ability of students to absorb information more directly and effectively. At Muhlenberg College, students and faculty join together to help each other to achieve their goals and challenge their education, discovering the true meaning of higher learning.

School History

As Muhlenberg College was originally founded in 1848 as the Allentown Seminary, the ideal location of Leigh Valley consisted of a small community and an abundance of wooded land. At the time, eastern Pennsylvania was occupied mainly by farmers and local merchants, with a growing community of Lutheran settlers. Originally founded by Reverend Samuel K. Brobst, who was a Reformed Lutheran minister, the school operated its first few years as several different names. By 1867, in honor of the patriarch of the Church, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the school was renamed and has since operated as Muhlenberg College.

Since 1921, Muhlenberg College has been accredited by the Middle States Commission in Higher Education, a division of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

As the College began operating under the Berg name, it was relocated into the former home of James Allen, referred to as Trout Hall. However, by 1905, the facility was again relocated to the current campus in Allentown. By 1910, Muhlenberg College has established individual secondary schools such as The Wescoe School that offer specialty classes such as adult education. Since opening, the College has since established a Center for Ethics, the Faculty Center for Teaching and the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding. To showcase the mission of the school to help students develop into civilian leaders, in recent years the Institute of Public Opinion was established as well.

Campus Life

The Muhlenberg College campus life is based on multicultural acceptance and diversity. The administration of the College is actively involved in student affairs and community service, assisting students with resources needed to maintain over 100 clubs and organizations throughout the campus. Located in a residential community, the campus setting offers a peaceful and friendly environment for students to work and learn effectively. Students can enjoy on campus amenities such as laundry facilities, an extensive library and the bookstore, where many students prefer to spend time catching up on studying.

Student Government plays an active role in campus life as many students enjoy participating in both on campus debates and liaison services for the student body. All students are encouraged to be involved with the activities and events held on campus, even if supporting peers from the sidelines and audiences. With such a wide array of organizations and special interests groups available, many students ensure to create time for their spiritual and religious studies as well. Students encourage and support each other throughout their personal journeys during and after graduation, as long-term friendships are developed and cultivated within the campus walls.

Muhlenberg College offers a wide range of housing opportunities for students that choose to live on campus. Residence halls accommodate various room sizes and occupancy and are mainly categorized by special interest and program studies. The Office of Residential Services is available to assist students in choosing the proper housing service that best meets their needs, as well as applying for housing and maintaining compliance. Special housing needs are available for eligible students. Muhlenberg College seniors can enjoy the freedom of the Senior Year Experience that allows them to spend a semester abroad in a foreign country or work one-on-one with a faculty member on special research projects.

Financial Aid

Attending college is a big step for most students and an important decision that should be based on professional and academic goals, not affordability. Muhlenberg College actively contributes to the resource library of financial aid opportunities for students to ensure that students are given fair and equal chance to obtain a quality education. The College accepts all forms of state and federal loans, as well as scholarships and grant funding. Many students pursue special achievement awards from third part organizations such as community groups and charities to reduce the financial stress throughout the year.

Over 75% of Muhlenberg College students obtain some type of financial aid each semester. The College offers merit-based scholarships and need-based funding to all qualifying students upon admission, which can assist with partial or full tuition funding. Special need funding is also available to eligible students. To ensure that all financial aid options are considered, students are encouraged to visit the Office of Financial Aid before the start of the school year to optimize schedules and reduce the risk of late registration.

Rankings

2017 College Rankings