We are a university grounded in the liberal arts and dedicated to providing the progressive academic needs of the 21st century student.
Since 1895, Graceland University has been developing students into people who will change the world by giving them the best experience and education possible. But we believe that providing a strong liberal arts learning environment — at our main residential campus in Lamoni, our Independence campus and through our online programs — is just one piece of the puzzle. Just as important are our amazing faculty, who care about their students’ success; our fun, on-campus activities that build forever friendships; and the powerful sense of place and belonging we cultivate every day.
The Power of Together
About Graceland
Graceland creates learning communities where students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives.
Graceland University will become a recognized educational leader, inspiring and empowering persons for transformational service and leadership.
Graceland values learning, wholeness and community. Graceland encourages the development of these values for the enrichment of lives and the betterment of the world.
We believe in the lifelong process of the open and free pursuit of truth.
We believe that the development of the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual dimensions of all persons is necessary for healthy and fulfilling lives.
We appreciate and welcome diversity and, as an institution sponsored by Community of Christ, believe in the inherent worth of all persons expressed through relationships built on the foundation of unconditional love and acceptance.
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1,203
Enrolled students
Fall 2023 Fact Book (all undergrad & grad)
Lamoni Campus
16:1
Student to faculty ratio
Fall 2023 Fact Book
35+
Academic programs
Fall 2023 Fact Book
Learn More
Graceland University was founded over 125 years ago after land was generously gifted by a group of Lamoni church members in order to build a college.
Creating a warm, welcoming environment that offers support and individual attention is important to our faculty and staff. With small class sizes and our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, at Graceland, you’ll never be just a number.
Established in 1895, Graceland University has always strived to maintain the highest academic integrity possible. The university undergoes a rigorous accreditation process on a regular basis.
Below are Graceland’s current accreditations.
Graceland University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1920. Graceland’s accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in 2017, and the next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2027.
Obtain an official copy of Graceland University’s HLC accreditation details.
Graceland University’s online programs have been approved by the State of Iowa to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education, and Graceland has been a member since February 2016. Membership requires annual renewal, which takes place each February.
Graceland is approved to operate in Missouri by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
Graceland University’s teacher undergraduate education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE).
IDOE approval was most recently renewed November 16, 2016, after an April 2016 review. It expires in 2022-23 when Graceland will participate in an on-site renewal evaluation.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Graceland University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202)887.6791. View Graceland’s accreditation details.
The master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa State Board of Nursing. View Iowa MSN accreditation. View Iowa DNP accreditation.
The baccalaureate degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa and Missouri State Boards of Nursing. View Iowa BSN accreditation. View Missouri pass rates.
Whether you’re studying on campus or online, Graceland offers three different places to learn.
2023 Champions of Character Five-Star Silver Institution
View ArticleRanked #3: Top Nurse Educator Certificate Online Programs for 2024
View ArticleRanked #21: Best Online Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs for 2024
View ArticleRanked #1: 2023 Top Ranked Online AGNP Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
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View ArticleRanked #38: 100 Best Nursing Schools in the Plains 2019
2024 – Ranked #20 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
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View ArticleRanked #7 – Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
View Article2017 Grateful Grads Index: Top 200 Best-Loved Colleges (2017)
View Article1,203
Enrolled students
Fall 2023 Fact Book (all undergrad & grad)
99%
Receive financial aid
Fall 2023 Fact Book
35+
Academic programs
Fall 2023 Fact Book
Learn More9
Pre-professional programs
21
Undergraduate majors
Fall 2022
4
Master's degrees
Fall 2022
Graceland University, founded in 1895, is a private, four-year liberal arts university.
Recognized by The Princeton Review as a “Best in the Midwest” (2012-2020).
Academic Programs: More than 35 academic programs, including nine pre-professional programs, 31 undergraduate majors, three master’s degrees and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Online Programs: Graceland offers online degree programs to over 750 students in education, nursing, business and religion.
Student to faculty ratio: 12:1 for all undergraduate locations; 13:1 for Lamoni Campus
Faculty: All Graceland Locations: 61 full-time undergraduate faculty, 77 percent with a PhD or other terminal degree.
Students: All Graceland locations: 1,419 FTE (IPEDS calculation for Full-Time Equivalent)
Housing: Students are members of 16 “Houses”
Student Clubs and Organizations: over 35
Lamoni: Nearly 800 students, representing 37 states and 25 countries
Independence/Online: Undergraduate representing 22 and graduate representing 41 states and six countries
Student Profile
(Entering Class Fall 2019 – Lamoni Campus):
Financial Aid: 99 percent of residential students receive aid of any type from any source.
Graceland has several notable alumni who have made a remarkable impact on their communities.
Access: Each room has internet and cable TV hookups, and each main lounge in the Residence Halls has a printer. Wireless internet is available in all campus housing and all public buildings on campus. In addition, 136 lab computers are available to students throughout the campus.
Radio Station: KBUZ (Listen Here)
Athletics: Member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Graceland’s men and women athletes compete in 20 varsity teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HEART). Added Rodeo in Fall 2020 as part of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Assocation (NIRA) in the Great Plains Region.
SkillPath: More than 215,000 people annually attend SkillPath and CompuMaster seminars provided by the Graceland Center for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning.
Sponsored by Community of Christ.
For more facts, view the Graceland Fact Book, maintained by Graceland’s Institutional Research team.
