Wilberforce University

Suo Marte (“By One’s Own Toil”)

Wilberforce University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is a place where education and spiritual growth go hand in hand. The university’s commitment to academic achievement and personal development is reflected in its diverse programs and vibrant campus life. Wilberforce is dedicated to preparing students to be leaders who make a difference.

At Wilberforce, you’ll find a supportive community and a faculty passionate about your growth. Whether you’re interested in the sciences, business, or the arts, Wilberforce University provides the resources and encouragement you need to thrive. It’s a university where your journey of education and achievement begins.

Founded in 1856, Wilberforce is the nation’s oldest private, historically Black university, owned and operated by African Americans, with a continuing affiliation to the AME Church. Its campus sits in Greene County, minutes from Central State and Payne Theological Seminary.

Signature Wilberforce: mandatory cooperative education (a hallmark since the 1960s) plus small-cohort academics across business, computing/engineering, health & human services, and the liberal arts. Enrollment has been trending up—2023–24: 617 students, with university updates citing plans approaching ~1,000 in 2025–26.

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