Friends Colleges
The Religious Society of Friends (members are known as Friends, or more informally as Quakers), is a Christian denomination that rejects all forms of religious symbolism and outward sacraments, including baptism. Quakerism developed as a movement in England in the 17th century as Christian peoples, who, dissatisfied with the existing denominations and sects of Christianity, wished to return to a way of life based on the early Christian communities. Englishman George Fox is credited as one of the founding fathers of the Religious Society of Friends in the 1650’s. The Society of Friends has historically been counted among the peace churches.
Friends Higher Education Overview
While Friends have founded many schools and colleges, some institutions were never formally "Quaker Schools." Those who do call themselves "Quaker schools" may have formal oversight from a Friends yearly or monthly meeting (often called coming "under care of" a meeting), and others are governed by members of the Society of Friends and/or adhere to aspects of Quaker practice. The largest Friends school, founded in 1837 by the Religious Society of Friends is Guilford College (located in Greensboro, NC) and it offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs, including computing and information technology, foreign language and business management.
| School | City | Students | Highest Degree | Tenure System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclay College | Haviland, KS | 137 | Bachelor's | |
| Earlham College | Richmond, IN | 1,336 | Master's | yes |
| George Fox University | Newberg, OR | 3,383 | yes | |
| Guilford College | Greensboro, NC | 2,641 | Bachelor's | yes |
| Malone University | Canton, OH | 2,442 | Master's | yes |
| William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | 1,804 | Master's | yes |
| Wilmington College | Wilmington, OH | 1,542 | Master's | yes |
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