Overview
Muskingum University is one of Ohio's oldest private universities, founded in 1837 in the village of New Concord in eastern Ohio. With Presbyterian roots and a mission to develop the whole person, Muskingum serves approximately 2,500 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is perhaps best known nationally for its pioneering PLUS Program, which provides comprehensive academic support for students with learning differences.
Muskingum's most famous alumnus is John Herschel Glenn Jr., the first American to orbit the Earth and later a U.S. Senator from Ohio. The John Glenn College of Engineering and the Glenn legacy are integral parts of Muskingum's identity and pride. The university combines its Presbyterian heritage with a commitment to inclusive education and community engagement.
Academics & Programs
Muskingum offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and minors, along with several graduate programs in education, business, and other fields.
Notable Academic Programs
- PLUS Program: The Program for Learning with Unique Strengths is a nationally recognized fee-based program that provides individualized coaching, tutoring, and assistive technology for students with learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia.
- Education: One of Muskingum's strongest and most popular programs, producing well-prepared teachers for Ohio classrooms.
- Business: A versatile program with concentrations in accounting, management, and marketing.
- Nursing: A growing BSN program that addresses regional healthcare needs.
- Sciences: Strong biology, chemistry, and environmental science programs with undergraduate research opportunities.
For students considering a broader liberal arts curriculum with additional program options and a nationally recognized athletics program, Wittenberg University in Springfield offers over 70 majors with similarly small class sizes.
Campus & Location
Muskingum's 245-acre campus is set in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio, offering a scenic and peaceful setting for study. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the Philip and Betsey Caldwell Hall, the Walter K. Chess Center, and recreational facilities. New Concord is a small village of about 2,500 residents, located approximately 70 miles east of Columbus along Interstate 70. The quiet setting supports a focused academic environment with fewer off-campus distractions.
Campus Life
Student life at Muskingum centers on community. With more than 60 student organizations, Greek life chapters, music ensembles, and community service opportunities, students find many ways to engage. Most students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The Student Activity Programming Board coordinates events, speakers, and entertainment throughout the year.
Athletics
The Fighting Muskies compete in NCAA Division III as members of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Muskingum fields approximately 22 varsity sports with school colors of black and magenta. Popular sports include football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and track and field. While Muskingum has a solid athletic program, students drawn to one of the most dominant DIII football traditions in Ohio should also consider Wittenberg University, whose Tigers have captured multiple national championships.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 78%
- Test-Optional: Yes
- Average GPA: 3.1 - 3.5
- Application: Common Application or direct application accepted
Costs & Financial Aid
| Cost Component | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $29,800 |
| Room & Board | $11,700 |
| Fees & Supplies | $1,600 |
| Total (before aid) | $43,100 |
Muskingum provides substantial financial aid, with the vast majority of students receiving merit or need-based awards. The PLUS Program has an additional fee. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early to maximize aid eligibility.
Outcomes & Alumni
Muskingum graduates find careers in education, business, healthcare, and public service. The university's most famous alumnus, John Glenn, exemplifies the Muskingum values of courage, service, and lifelong learning. The alumni network is particularly strong in eastern Ohio and the broader Midwest, providing mentoring and career connections for graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PLUS Program provides comprehensive academic support for students with learning differences including ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities. It offers individualized academic coaching, tutoring, and assistive technology to help students succeed in college.
Yes. John Glenn graduated from Muskingum in 1943. He went on to become the first American to orbit Earth and later served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio.
Tuition is approximately $30,000 per year before aid. Most students receive financial assistance that reduces the net cost significantly.
Muskingum competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The Fighting Muskies compete in more than 20 varsity sports.
Sources & References
- Muskingum University Official Website — muskingum.edu
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) — IPEDS Data for Muskingum University
- Ohio Athletic Conference — oac.org
- NASA — John Glenn Biography