Wilberforce University

Wilberforce University traces its roots to 1856 and is the nation’s oldest private historically Black university owned and operated by African Americans. Named for abolitionist William Wilberforce, the institution was created when educating African Americans was socially prohibited and illegal. The university temporarily closed during the Civil War, was re-incorporated in 1863 by Bishop Daniel A. Payne, and recovered after a fire in 1865. Payne became the first person of African descent to lead an American institution of higher learning.

Wilberforce is a four-year liberal arts institution offering programs across business, biology, biochemistry, engineering, computer science, digital humanities, digital media, health and human services, psychology, rehabilitation services, social work, sociology, kinesiology, mathematics, and sports communication. Its mission centers on rigorous intellectual inquiry and critical thinking, preparing students to become social change agents, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and global citizens. The university is also developing academic programming with an emphasis on emerging and popular technologies.

Campus life is organized around a living-learning environment, community responsibility, history, tradition, and faith rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Students can use the Center for Academic Support and Student Success for advising, coaching, tutoring, and mentoring. NetTutor provides live online writing and mathematics tutoring around the clock, while the tutoring lab supports mathematics, English, and writing assignments. International students should expect a campus experience that connects academic preparation with service, personal purpose, and participation in a historically Black university community.