It’s a Great Day to be a Judson Eagle!
Check out our history, along with facts and figures that truly make Judson one-of-a-kind!
Over 100 Years of History
More than 50 years of excellence, inspired by 200 years of legacy.
Originally founded as Judson College in 1963, Judson University is named after American Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson, who became the first Protestant missionary sent from North America to preach in Burma where he remained for almost 40 years.
To learn more about the man, his message, and mission, check out this series of clips narrated by one of our former university presidents, Judson Chancellor Dr. Jerry B. Cain.
Judson is named after Adoniram Judson (1788-1850), the first American missionary. The ground floor of our University Chapel contains the Heritage Room, a place honoring the history and legacy of him.
Judson was founded as the undergraduate division of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Judson branched off and was established as Judson College in Elgin, Illinois.
Judson was renamed to Judson University.
Our Locations
Elgin
Our main campus, Elgin, Illinois, is home to our traditional undergraduates, University chapel, athletic programs, the Demoss Center for Worship in the Performing Arts and More!
Located 36 miles outside of downtown Chicago, our beautiful 90-acre wooded campus is private, safe, and quiet yet still centrally located to all a major city has to offer.
Rockford
Our satellite campus, Rockford, Illinois host classes for adult professional students at the Swedish American Riverfront YMCA.
Online
Our online programs and cohorts provide convenience for our busy, working adults and graduate students.
Not too big, not too small…
Our student demographics.
Admission Averages
Data retrieved from Incoming Freshmen
Average GPA
3.01
Average Composite ACT Score
21
Reading/Math SAT Score
1000
We’re Regional Best in the Midwest!
Judson University has been recognized year after year for our quality of academics and athletics.
Regional Best Universities in the Midwest
U.S. News and World Report, Best Colleges Survey
(2017-2022)
Top Tier Midwest Best Universities
U.S. News and World Report, Best Colleges Survey
(2005-2016)
Christian College of Distinction
Colleges of Distinction
(2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Military Friendly Schools
State of Illinois
(2013-2017, 2019, 2021)
NAIA Champions of Character
5-Star Silver Institution
(2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
Athletics
Let’s Go Eagles!
Judson University is home to 22 intercollegiate sports teams who compete in the NAIA for the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). Our Judson Eagles are also affiliated with the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA).
We also offer a number of intramural sport leagues throughout both semesters for the general student body.
Financial Aid
Over 99% of our students receive financial aid.
- Scholarships
- Scholarships are available for academics, athletics, leadership, music, theater, art and honors.
- Financial Aid Packages
- Scholarships, Grants, Loans and Work Study could be a part of the financial aid package
- Military Educational Benefits
- We accept post 9/11 GI Bill, tuition assistance, etc.
- Affordable Illinois Program
- Available for Pell Eligible Students
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association
- National Architecture Accrediting Board
- Teacher education accredited by the Illinois State Board of Education
Retention & Graduation Rates
A large number of our students have a full-time job within their field lined up on the day of their graduation. See our full list of rates below.
Opportunities for All
Judson is one of the most innovative Christian universities that offer creative programs for students to earn college credit.
