History and Quick Facts

---

Eastern at a Glance Fact Sheet (PDF)

Eastern in a Flash (Interactive Flash Movie) 

Who we are

Eastern is a co-educational, comprehensive Christian university that integrates faith, reason and justice for its 4,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, Seminary and accelerated adult programs. Eastern was named to the Templeton Honor Roll of Character-building Colleges and the Honor Roll of Exemplary First-year Programs. Eastern has an interdenominational Christian student body and is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA.

History

Founded in 1925 as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The collegiate division began in 1932 and was chartered as a four-year college in 1952. It became Eastern College in 1972 and then Eastern University in 2001. The Seminary of the University was renamed Palmer Theological Seminary in 2005.

Mission Statement

Eastern is a Christian university of the arts and sciences dedicated through teaching, scholarship, service, spiritual formation, student development and societal involvement to the preparation of undergraduate, graduate and Seminary students for thoughtful and productive lives of Christian faith and service.

Location

St. Davids, PA: A scenic 92-acre with three lakes, wooded walking trails and protected wetlands. Easy access to Philadelphia; New York City; Baltimore, MD; and Washington, D.C.

Wynnewood, PA: Palmer Theological Seminary at 6 Lancaster Avenue.

Philadelphia, PA: The Campolo School for Social Change at 10th and Spring Garden Streets; Esperanza College of Eastern University (formerly NECHE) at 5th and Bristol Streets.

Ripley, WV: Palmer Seminary offers the Master of Divinity.

Washington, D.C.: Licensed to offer the nonprofit MS program in Washington, D.C.

(Additional instructional sites in Center City, Philadelphia; Central PA and numerous international locations.)

Enrollment

4,000 students in the School of Arts and Sciences, Templeton Honors College, Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Palmer Theological Seminary and Esperanza College.

Student/Faculty Ratio

15:1

Financial Aid

A wide range of financial assistance opportunities and extensive scholarship programs. About 94% of students receive academic and need-based scholarships and grants.

Placement Rate

98% of the traditional undergraduate class of 2005 were employed, in graduate school or voluntary service within six months of graduation.

Accreditation

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Council on Social Work Education for the Baccalaureate major in social work, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada.