
1530 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204, USA


Allen University was founded in 1870 with the mission to provide higher education opportunities to African American students during the Reconstruction era. Established by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, it aimed to address educational needs at a time when access for Black students was severely limited. The university's early years focused on teacher training and theological education, reflecting its foundational religious affiliations and the urgent demand for qualified educators in the African American community.
The institution grew steadily, expanding its academic programs beyond its initial scope to include liberal arts and professional studies. Over time, Allen University has maintained a commitment to fostering leadership and social justice among its students, drawing on its historical roots.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including economic hardships and social changes, the university has persisted as an important center for education. It has adapted to the evolving landscape of higher education while honoring its heritage.
Today, Allen University represents a legacy of resilience and dedication to academic excellence, continuing to serve students with a broad range of academic disciplines grounded in its longstanding tradition.
Allen University offers a range of academic programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience. The university is organized into several key faculties and departments that cater to various fields of study. Prospective students can explore disciplines including liberal arts, sciences, social sciences, and professional studies.
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences encompasses departments that focus on developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. Within this faculty, students can pursue majors in areas such as English, History, and Biology, allowing for a broad liberal arts education grounded in both the humanities and natural sciences.
Additionally, Allen University features a School of Business that prepares students for careers in management, finance, and entrepreneurship. This school emphasizes practical knowledge and real-world skills, offering courses designed to equip graduates for the demands of the contemporary business environment.
The Social Sciences division includes programs in Sociology and Political Science, facilitating an understanding of societal structures and governance. These departments aim to cultivate informed citizens capable of engaging with complex social and political issues.
Overall, the university's academic structure provides students with diverse opportunities to specialize while encouraging interdisciplinary learning. This arrangement supports those seeking a focused career path alongside a well-rounded intellectual foundation.
Allen University is situated in Columbia, South Carolina, at 1530 Harden Street. This location places students within the state's capital, offering access to various city amenities and resources beneficial for academic and personal life. Columbia features a metropolitan environment, which includes the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, facilitating convenient travel options for students and visitors. Prospective students can benefit from the urban setting, which provides a range of cultural, educational, and professional opportunities within easy reach of the university campus.
Allen University is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education that emphasizes both academic excellence and the development of leadership skills. The institution aims to cultivate critical thinking and a commitment to lifelong learning among its students. It fosters an environment where individuals are encouraged to engage actively in their communities and embrace ethical responsibility.
The university's vision focuses on empowering students to become influential contributors in diverse professional fields while upholding principles of social justice and equity. It strives to prepare graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped to address complex societal challenges with integrity and innovation.
Through a curriculum designed to combine theoretical understanding with practical application, Allen University seeks to nurture well-rounded individuals capable of leadership and making meaningful impacts in their careers and communities.
Name of the institution
Allen UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1870
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
Data not availableAnthropology
Data not availableBiology, General
$17,432Business Administration, Management and Operations
$22,477Chemistry
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
Data not availableComputer Science
Data not availableCriminal Justice and Corrections
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableReligion/Religious Studies
Data not availableSocial Sciences, General
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not available