
Courtesy of Cedarville University
Cedarville University began as Cedarville College in 1887. Founded with ties to the Reformed Presbyterian tradition, it later developed into a Baptist-affiliated institution. A significant turning point came in 1953, when the college merged with the Baptist Bible Institute of Cleveland, expanding its theological education and shaping the religious identity it retains today.
The institution adopted the name Cedarville University in 2000, reflecting its broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its history matters to applicants because Christian teaching is not confined to theology degrees: it remains part of the university's stated approach to academics and campus life.
Cedarville University offers undergraduate majors across the liberal arts, sciences, professional fields, and biblical studies, along with selected graduate and professional programs. Its academic schools include areas devoted to biblical and theological studies, business, education, engineering and computer science, nursing, and pharmacy.
Students can explore fields such as biology, communication, education, engineering, computer science, business, nursing, and worship or ministry studies. The university also offers a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Applicants comparing majors should check the current academic catalog for the exact degree, course sequence, clinical or fieldwork requirements, and whether a program can be completed online. Admission to the university does not necessarily mean immediate admission to a selective professional program.
Cedarville University's main campus is in Cedarville, Ohio, a small village east of Dayton. The setting is substantially different from an urban campus: many daily activities and services are concentrated on campus, while a car can make off-campus errands and regional travel easier.
Dayton International Airport is a regional air-travel option. Students arranging a visit or planning to commute should check the actual travel time for their route and whether campus transportation meets their needs; proximity to a metropolitan area does not mean frequent public transit reaches the campus.
Cedarville describes its mission as providing a Christ-centered education that equips students for lifelong leadership and service. Its educational approach integrates Christian beliefs with coursework, chapel, and expectations for community life. These are the university's stated commitments, not independent measures of students' experiences or outcomes.
The institution's Baptist identity is relevant beyond religious-studies majors. Applicants should read its current statement of faith, community commitments, and chapel policies before enrolling, particularly if they are considering whether the university's approach to religious practice fits their own expectations.
Name of the institution
Cedarville UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Baptist Church)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1895Cedarville University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.