Athens State University

Athens State University is a public upper-division university located in Athens, Alabama. Founded in 1822, it is recognized as Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning. The university primarily serves transfer students seeking to complete bachelor’s degrees, as well as graduate students pursuing select master’s programs. Athens State University focuses on degree completion and offers programs through its colleges of Education, Arts and Sciences, and Business. Many of its students are working adults who benefit from flexible scheduling options, including online and hybrid courses. Its mission centers on providing accessible higher education tailored to students who have already completed lower-division coursework at other institutions.

Athens State University was founded in 1822 in Athens, Alabama, as the Athens Female Academy, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. In 1842, the Methodist Church assumed oversight and renamed it the Athens Female Institute, later becoming Athens Female College in 1889. The institution remained focused on educating women until 1931, when it became coeducational and adopted the name Athens College. In 1974, governance transitioned from the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church to the State of Alabama, marking a significant structural change. In 1998, Athens College officially became Athens State University, reflecting its expanded academic role. Today, Athens State University operates as a public upper-division institution dedicated primarily to transfer and degree-completion students, continuing its long history of adapting to the educational needs of Alabama.