History

Alfred University was founded in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. Today, the University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins.

Inclusivity From The Start

Alfred University is the second-oldest coeducational college in the United States. Ours was the first university to make the full curriculum open to women and one of the earliest to enroll African American and Native American students. We were the first to invite a female commencement speaker and Frederick Douglass to participate in commencement activities. 
 
Alfred University has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling and school psychology. For more information on Alfred's history, traditions, and people visit the University Archives.

 


Over the course of its long history, Alfred University has never wavered in its commitment to teaching excellence and concern for the individual student.

A striking feature of Alfred University is the fact that its diversity exists in a relatively small institution. Alfred serves approximately 1,700 undergraduate and nearly 400 graduate students. This small size has allowed the University to maintain a strong sense of community. Alfred prides itself on offering a personalized education that features close relationships between faculty, staff, and students, fostering personal and intellectual growth.

At Alfred University, one size does not fit all. We encourage students to seek inspiration in a wide variety of programs and we offer them the opportunity to individually structure a unique major through the Individually Structured Major.

At Alfred University, we think an undergraduate research project can be one of the most rewarding learning experiences of an academic career. Whether you are in art or engineering, business or liberal arts and sciences, we encourage (and some majors require) an undergraduate research project as a capstone to your AU experience. Our students find that completion of such a project gives them an edge, whether they're applying to graduate school or entering the work force.

Our students are encouraged to participate in an international experience, whether it's a week-long trip with a professor, a summer internship abroad, or a semester spent studying in another country.