Overview
Cedarville University is one of Ohio's largest private Christian universities, and one of the most distinctly mission-driven institutions in the state. Founded in 1887 as a small liberal arts college, Cedarville became a Baptist institution in 1953 and has since grown into a comprehensive university with more than 150 academic programs and approximately 4,700 students.
Cedarville's identity is inseparable from its conservative Christian mission. The university operates from an explicit statement of faith, requires chapel attendance, and maintains a community covenant that reflects its values. For students and families seeking an institution where faith and learning are fully integrated — not compartmentalized — Cedarville offers a rare depth of commitment.
Academically, Cedarville punches above its weight. Its professional programs in pharmacy, nursing, and engineering are accredited and highly regarded, and the university's graduates are sought after by employers who value their combination of technical competence and professional character. Students considering their options may also appreciate the community atmosphere at Wittenberg University in Springfield, which offers a similarly personal environment from a different faith tradition.
Academics & Programs
Cedarville offers undergraduate and graduate programs across nine schools, with particular strength in health sciences, engineering, and professional programs — an unusual profile for a Christian university.
Notable Programs
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): Cedarville's School of Pharmacy is fully accredited by ACPE and is one of only a few pharmacy programs at a Baptist institution in the United States. The program emphasizes clinical excellence and patient care from a Christian perspective.
- Nursing (BSN): The nursing program consistently achieves high NCLEX first-attempt pass rates. Students gain clinical experience at regional healthcare partners.
- Engineering: ABET-accredited programs in mechanical, electrical, computer, and civil engineering prepare students for careers in Ohio's robust manufacturing and technology sectors.
- Bible and Theology: At the core of Cedarville's mission, these programs equip students for ministry, biblical scholarship, and informed Christian leadership.
- Business Administration: Programs in accounting, finance, management, and marketing with an emphasis on ethical business practice.
- Education: A strong teacher preparation program integrating Christian worldview with pedagogical excellence.
Campus & Location
Cedarville's 400-acre campus sits in the small village of Cedarville in Greene County, about 20 miles south of Springfield and 20 miles east of Dayton. The campus features a mix of traditional and modern facilities including updated academic buildings, a state-of-the-art pharmacy facility, and a prominent chapel at the heart of campus life. The rural setting reinforces a focused, community-centered atmosphere.
Nearby Dayton and Columbus both offer internship, clinical placement, and employment opportunities for students in health sciences, engineering, and business.
Athletics
The Cedarville Yellow Jackets compete primarily in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). Cedarville fields more than 15 varsity sports and has a strong tradition of NAIA success, particularly in cross country, baseball, and tennis. The university's athletic program is an expression of its broader mission — developing student-athletes of character who compete with excellence and integrity.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Cost | Annual |
|---|---|
| Tuition | ~$34,000 |
| Room & Board | ~$12,000 |
| Fees | ~$600 |
| Total (Est.) | ~$46,600 |
Cedarville offers merit scholarships, need-based grants, and faith-based scholarships. Many students receive institutional awards that reduce their net cost significantly. The university's financial aid office is available to walk families through all available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cedarville maintains a strong, consistent Baptist Christian identity. Students attend chapel regularly, sign a community covenant, and engage with biblical integration across their coursework. The community is intentionally Christian in its culture, which students and families describe as a strength of the experience for those who share those values.
Cedarville's School of Pharmacy holds full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The PharmD program combines rigorous clinical preparation with Cedarville's Christian mission. Graduates are well prepared for licensure and practice across pharmacy settings.
Yes. Cedarville's engineering programs hold ABET accreditation, the standard for engineering and technology programs. ABET-accredited programs meet rigorous quality standards and are recognized by employers and graduate schools alike.
Sources
- Cedarville University — cedarville.edu
- NCES/IPEDS Data
- Great Midwest Athletic Conference — gmac.org