
Future Generations University is a graduate-focused institution based in Franklin, West Virginia. It began as Future Generations Graduate School, a name that reflected its emphasis on advanced study rather than a conventional undergraduate campus.
Its academic identity centers on community-based development: students examine how communities identify priorities, organize resources, and assess change. That history helps explain why its programs and student experience differ from those of a residential college with a broad range of undergraduate majors.
Future Generations University's academic focus is applied community change, rather than a large collection of separate colleges and departments. Its graduate study connects coursework with work in communities, so applicants should evaluate the particular degree or certificate curriculum - not assume the university offers the usual range of undergraduate majors.
The Master of Arts in Applied Community Change is a representative program. For a prospective student, important questions include how a proposed community project fits the curriculum, which courses require live participation, and how faculty supervise field-based work. These details matter more here than a list of conventional academic departments.
Future Generations University is based in Franklin, a small town in rural Pendleton County, West Virginia. Its location is relevant to students planning any in-person coursework or meetings, even when much of their academic work takes place away from Franklin.
Applicants traveling to the university should confirm the location and frequency of required in-person activities before budgeting for transportation and lodging. Franklin's rural setting makes travel planning a different consideration from commuting to an urban campus with extensive public transit.
Future Generations University's stated educational purpose emphasizes community-led change and learning that can be applied where students live and work. Its approach places community knowledge alongside academic study, rather than treating communities solely as subjects of research.
That philosophy may appeal to applicants with a defined public-service, conservation, health, education, or development interest. It is a statement of educational priorities, however, not evidence that any particular project or career outcome will succeed. Prospective students should look at course assignments and project expectations to judge how the philosophy operates in practice.
Name of the institution
Future Generations UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: RemoteInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, graduate with no undergraduate degreesInstitution size category
Under 1,000Future Generations 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.
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degreeData 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.