Earlham College

What is the history of Earlham College?

Earlham College was founded in Richmond, Indiana, in 1847 as Friends Boarding School, a Quaker institution. It adopted the Earlham College name in 1859 and developed into a liberal arts college. Its Quaker origins remain relevant to its educational philosophy, although students do not have to be Quakers to attend.

Earlham later expanded beyond undergraduate education. The Earlham School of Religion opened in 1960 to provide graduate theological education, and the college also developed graduate programs in education. For prospective students, the distinction matters: Earlham's undergraduate liberal arts programs, teacher preparation, and theological study serve different academic and professional goals.

What are the faculties and departments at Earlham College?

Earlham is primarily a liberal arts college offering undergraduate study across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts, rather than a university organized around numerous professional schools. Its academic offerings also include graduate study through the Earlham School of Religion and education programs.

Undergraduates can explore fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, English, history, mathematics, peace and global studies, psychology, and studio art. Earlham's approach allows students to combine classroom study with research, community-based work, or off-campus learning. Applicants interested in a particular occupation should check the current catalog for the degree awarded, course sequence, and any separate licensure requirements; a major's name alone does not establish eligibility for a professional license.

What is the location of Earlham College?

Earlham College is in Richmond, Indiana, near the Ohio border. Its campus offers a residential college setting in a small city, rather than the scale or transit options of a major metropolitan campus.

Richmond provides everyday services and community organizations, while travel to larger cities generally requires planning and, often, a car. Dayton International Airport is a regional air-travel option, but students should compare routes and ground transportation before booking. First-year students may register or park a car on campus under the college's reported policy; parking rules and costs should be checked separately. For students weighing an off-campus internship, clinical placement, or job, transportation may be as important as the distance on a map.

What is the mission and vision of Earlham College?

Earlham describes its mission through its Quaker heritage, liberal arts education, and commitment to learning that connects reflection with action. Its stated values emphasize community, respect for people, integrity, peace, and responsible engagement with the wider world.

Those principles describe the college's aims, not a guarantee of any particular student experience. Prospective students can assess how they appear in practice by examining course requirements, community-engagement opportunities, and the way campus decisions are made. Earlham's religious heritage informs its identity, but the college enrolls students with varied religious and nonreligious perspectives.