Athens State University: Alabama’s Oldest Upper-Division University with Accredited Programs

Athens State University, founded in 1822 in Athens, Alabama, is the state’s oldest higher education institution and has evolved from a female academy into a comprehensive upper-division university serving transfer students. Now operating independently with its own Board of Trustees, the university offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through its Colleges of Business, Education, and Arts and Sciences.

The 85-acre campus features historic and modern facilities, including Founders Hall and the Alabama Center for the Arts. With over 2,800 students, a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and multiple program accreditations, Athens State maintains a strong academic reputation and plays a vital role in North Alabama’s educational and economic development.

Athens State University: A Legacy of Learning and Growth

Athens State University, located in Athens, Alabama, stands as the oldest institution of higher education in the state. With a rich history dating back to 1822, the university has evolved from a female academy to a comprehensive upper-division institution, serving a diverse student body and contributing significantly to the educational and economic landscape of North Alabama.

A Journey Through Time: History of Athens State University

Founded in 1822 as Athens Female Academy, the institution’s initial purpose was to provide education for young women. Its ownership was transferred to the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Church in 1842, and it was subsequently renamed Athens Female Institute and then Athens Female College in 1889. In 1931, a significant shift occurred as the college became coeducational and was renamed Athens College.

Another pivotal moment arrived in 1975 when the institution joined the Alabama state educational system, becoming Athens State College and focusing on serving graduates of state junior, community, and technical colleges. This marked its transition to an upper-division institution. In 1998, the Alabama Legislature officially renamed it Athens State University. In 2012, Athens State University gained autonomy from the Alabama State Board of Education and Department of Postsecondary Education, establishing its own Board of Trustees.

Over its long history, several key buildings have been added to the campus, including Founders Hall (1843), Brown Memorial Hall (1912), McCandless Hall (1914), and Kares Library (1996). The university also saw the establishment of the Alabama Center for the Arts Visual Arts Building (2012) and Performing Arts Building (2016) in partnership with Calhoun Community College.

Academic Excellence and Programs

Athens State University is primarily an upper-division institution, meaning it primarily admits students with prior college-level credit, often transfer students from community and junior colleges. It offers a wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees across various colleges, including:

• College of Business: Programs in Accounting, Acquisition & Contract Management, Advanced Manufacturing Management, Aerospace Systems Management, Applied Management, and Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management (MS).
• College of Education: Programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English Language Learners, Health, Instructional Design, and Physical Education.
• College of Arts and Sciences: Encompassing fields such as Art, Behavioral Science, Biology (with specializations like Bioinformatics, Cellular and Developmental, Ecology and Organismal), Computer Science (including Advanced Software Development), and English.

The university also offers various minors and certificate programs, catering to diverse student interests and career goals.

Campus Life and Facilities

Athens State University’s campus spans approximately 85 acres in Athens, Alabama. It provides a robust student experience with numerous clubs and organizations. Notable campus facilities include:

• Founders Hall: The oldest building on campus, built in 1842, houses administrative offices and the Glasgow Parlor for events.
• Sandridge Student Center: A central hub housing Admissions, Student Records, Financial Aid, Transfer Advising, Career Development, Accessibility Services, and the University Bookstore.
• Waters Hall: Features classrooms, science labs, and the Mathematical, Computer, and Natural Sciences (MCNS) Learning Lab for tutoring.
• McCandless Hall: Home to the “Griffin Auditorium,” a venue for concerts, plays, and lectures.
• Carter Physical Education Center: Historically the hub for athletic programs (discontinued in 2004), now used for classes, events, and a Sports Museum.
• Kares Library: The university’s main library.
• Center for Lifelong Learning: Offers continuing education and outreach programs, and houses the Square Clock Coffee Shop.

Student Demographics and Admissions

As of recent data, Athens State University has a total enrollment of over 2,800 students, with the majority being undergraduates. International students constitute less than 1% of the student population. The student-faculty ratio is approximately 14:1.

As an upper-division institution, Athens State University’s admission requirements typically include:

• A minimum of 36 transferable semester hours from accredited institutions.
• A minimum 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Eligibility to return to previously attended colleges or universities.
• For international students, additional requirements include official documentation of TOEFL or Duolingo scores, proof of health and life insurance, and financial verification.

Accreditation and Rankings

Athens State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Additionally, specific programs hold specialized accreditations:

1. The College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).
2. The College of Business is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
3. The B.S. in Computer Science (excluding Information Security concentration) and B.S. in Information Technology are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
4. The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

While rankings can fluctuate, Athens State University has been recognized for its overall quality and specific programs. College Factual, for instance, ranked Athens State University #1,037 out of 2,217 colleges and universities nationally in 2024. General Business Administration and Management is often highlighted as a highly ranked major.

FAQs about Athens State University

What is Athens State University known for?
Athens State University is known for being Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning and for offering upper-division programs tailored for transfer students.

Where is Athens State University located?
It is located in Athens, Alabama.

When was Athens State University founded?
The university was founded in 1822 as Athens Female Academy.

What type of institution is Athens State University?
It is a public, upper-division university primarily serving transfer students.

What degrees does Athens State University offer?
The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across various disciplines.

What are the main academic colleges at Athens State University?
The university has three academic colleges: College of Business, College of Education, and College of Arts and Sciences.

What is the average student enrollment?
Athens State University enrolls approximately 2,800 students.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
The student-faculty ratio is about 14:1.

Who can apply to Athens State University?
Students with at least 36 transferable semester hours and a minimum 2.0 GPA from accredited institutions can apply.

Is Athens State University a four-year school?
It is an upper-division institution, meaning it primarily serves junior and senior undergraduate students who transfer after completing lower-division coursework elsewhere.

Does Athens State University accept international students?
Yes, though they make up less than 1% of the student body and must meet additional admission requirements such as language proficiency and financial verification.

What are the admission requirements for transfer students?
Applicants must have at least 36 transferable semester hours, a 2.0 GPA, and be eligible to return to previous institutions.

Is Athens State University accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Do specific programs have specialized accreditations?
Yes, including CAEP for education, ACBSP for business, ABET for computer science and IT, and CCNE for nursing.

What notable programs does Athens State University offer?
Programs in Business Administration, Education, Computer Science, Nursing, and Advanced Manufacturing Management are among the highlights.

Does Athens State University offer graduate degrees?
Yes, it offers several master’s programs, particularly in business and education-related fields.

What is campus life like at Athens State University?
Students can join various clubs and organizations, and enjoy campus events, lectures, and performances.

What are some of the key facilities on campus?
Notable facilities include Founders Hall, McCandless Hall, Kares Library, and the Sandridge Student Center.

Is there on-campus housing at Athens State University?
No, as an upper-division institution, it does not offer residential housing.

Does Athens State University have athletics?
Athletic programs were discontinued in 2004, but the university maintains a Sports Museum to honor its athletic history.

Are online programs available?
Yes, Athens State offers many fully online degree programs and courses.

What continuing education options are available?
The Center for Lifelong Learning provides community outreach and continuing education programs.

What financial aid options are available?
Students can apply for federal aid, scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.

Does Athens State University participate in partnerships with other institutions?
Yes, especially with Calhoun Community College, including co-developing the Alabama Center for the Arts.

How can I apply to Athens State University?
Applications can be submitted online through the university’s official website at www.athens.edu.

What is the tuition cost at Athens State University?
Tuition varies by program and residency status; detailed information is available on the university’s website.

Are there certificate and minor programs available?
Yes, Athens State offers a variety of minors and certificates to complement degree programs.

What is the university’s rank nationally?
As of 2024, College Factual ranked Athens State #1,037 out of 2,217 U.S. colleges and universities.

Does Athens State University offer career services?
Yes, career development resources are available through the Sandridge Student Center.

What is the Alabama Center for the Arts?
It is a collaborative visual and performing arts facility shared by Athens State and Calhoun Community College, located in downtown Decatur.

Who governs Athens State University?
Since 2012, Athens State has been governed by its own Board of Trustees.