Graceland University - Overview
Graceland University
Graceland University provides challenging academic programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition with strong emphases on career preparation. The university has maintained a tradition of academic excellence since 1895 based on the Christian view of wholeness, worth, and dignity for every person. Its 2011-12 class hailed from more than 40 states and 40 countries -- 17 percent of the 1,000 students on the Lamoni, Iowa, campus are international students.
A student's Graceland experience will combine a personalized education and an ongoing adventure that will stay with him or her for the rest of his or her life. Graduates go on to stellar careers in the sciences, arts, nursing, education, business, athletics and humanitarian service. Alumni report that the 'Graceland Experience' helped focus their passions and shape their futures.
A Home Away from Home
Graceland University's unique 'House' residential system makes students feel instantly at home. Residence halls are divided into floors known as 'Houses' where students live with friends from day one through graduation. Every 'House' has its own traditions and students become a part of the traditions of tomorrow. Members of each 'House' elect a council for their 'House' to plan social, intramural, religious and academic-support activities.
Lamoni is located in the rolling hills of south-central Iowa on Interstate 35 half way between Des Moines and Kansas City. Shops, restaurants, and a scenic bike trail are all within walking or biking distance in small-town Lamoni. It is a safe, friendly community where students always feel welcome. GU also has a stunning urban campus in Independence, Missouri, home to a wide array of online programs and the university's award-winning School of Nursing. Interested students can take a look at the Graceland web site to learn more about its students, alumni, the university, and community.
Leadership
Leadership is defined in many ways at Graceland. Hands-on experiences allow students to cultivate skills and prepare for future leadership positions. Students hold 200 leadership posts on campus that provide skills for an added edge in the job market. This is exactly what employers and graduate schools look for. Being named a 2012 Best College in the Midwestern Region by "The Princeton Review" and a 1st-tier university by "US News & World Report" is evidence of Graceland University's leadership in higher education today.
Majors and Degrees
GU offers more than 50 academic majors and programs. Students work closely with professors, who are both teachers and scholars. The university features a 15:1 student-faculty ratio for students' benefit. Students may participate in internships in their fields and travel abroad during 'Winter Term' service/learning ventures to places like Zambia, Nicaragua, China, Hungary, and Italy.
GU awards a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Concentrations in the Liberal Arts include: accounting, agricultural business, athletic training, business administration, communications, criminal justice, economics, elementary education, English, health, history, human services, liberal studies, mathematics, music, religion and philosophy, physical education, psychology, recreation, sociology, sport management, visual art and film, theatre, and performance studies.
Bachelor of Science programs and majors include biology, chemistry, computer science, and pre-professional programs. General education requirements are based on 10 core competencies satisfied by course selections, internships, portfolios, proficiency exams, work experience, independent studies, performance, and achievement.
GU also offers a Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Education, and Master of Science in Nursing. A Doctor of Nursing Practice program is new for 2011.
Graceland Facilities
The Resch Science and Technology Hall was completed in 2009 and provides superb infrastructure and industry-standard equipment. The $15 million project provides best-in-the-Midwest science, math, and technology opportunities to Graceland students.
The Helene Center for the Visual Arts includes 29,000 square feet of classrooms, galleries, and studios with large north-facing windows for optimum light for artists.
The SHAW Center is currently undergoing a $15 million renovation/expansion that will make it the premier venue for the performing arts, and other activities and events. A new state of the art recital hall, black box theatre, outdoor Amphitheatre and much more await construction completion in 2012.
A beautiful new fitness and wellness center is set for groundbreaking in the spring. A complex of stunning new student apartments was just completed in fall of 2011.
The Eugene E. and Julia Travis Closson Physical Education Center complex includes an indoor pool, indoor track, weight and training room, and basketball, tennis, volleyball, and racquetball courts.
The Bruce Jenner Sports Complex boasts a new outdoor track, a new $1 million artificial-turf football field, and 3 beautiful soccer fields. The campus borders a 9-hole golf course and boasts a highly-regarded disc golf course.
Costs and Financial Aid
Full-time tuition for 2012-13 is $22,330. Graceland's students receive academic and athletic scholarships, performance grants, work-study, federal and state grants, and government loans. Grants are available for achievement in athletics and performing arts and for international students. The university offers significant scholarships to members of its sponsoring church, Community of Christ.
Admission Requirements
Each high school graduate must meet 2 of these criteria to qualify for admission: rank in the upper 50 percent of his or her class; have a minimum 2.5 GPA; or have either a minimum composite ACT score of 21 or a minimum SAT combined score of 960. Students can request additional admissions information, or go straight to applying now.