Graceland University is a private, four-year liberal arts university founded in 1895, with residential campuses in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri, as well as flexible online degree programs. We are dedicated to providing the progressive academic needs of the 21st-century student.
Since 1895, Graceland University has been developing students into people who will change the world by giving them the best experience and education possible. But we believe that providing a strong liberal arts learning environment — at our main residential campus in Lamoni, our Independence campus and through our online programs — is just one piece of the puzzle. Just as important are our amazing faculty, who care about their students’ success; our fun, on-campus activities that build lasting friendships; and the powerful sense of place and belonging we cultivate every day.
About Graceland
Graceland creates learning communities where students develop their potential for meaningful and productive lives.
Graceland University will become a recognized educational leader, inspiring and empowering persons for transformational service and leadership.
Graceland values learning, wholeness and community. Graceland encourages the development of these values for the enrichment of lives and the betterment of the world.
We believe in the lifelong process of the open and free pursuit of truth.
We believe that the development of the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual dimensions of all persons is necessary for healthy and fulfilling lives.
We appreciate and welcome diversity and, as an institution sponsored by Community of Christ, believe in the inherent worth of all persons expressed through relationships built on the foundation of unconditional love and acceptance.
Graceland University is a private, four-year liberal arts university that focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and preparing students for meaningful careers and lives of service.
Graceland has campuses in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri, along with online programs available to students across the country.
Yes. Graceland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and maintains additional program-level accreditations in areas such as nursing and education.
Yes. Graceland offers fully accredited online programs in areas such as nursing, business, and religion, designed for working professionals and flexible learning.
Graceland combines small class sizes, strong faculty support, and a close-knit campus community with flexible learning options and career-focused programs.
Student life at Graceland includes residential campus experiences, student organizations, athletics, and events, all within a supportive environment that emphasizes belonging and connection.
Whether you’re studying on campus or online, Graceland offers three different places to learn.
Graceland offers more than 40 academic programs, including undergraduate majors, graduate degrees, and pre-professional pathways across fields like nursing, business, education, and the liberal arts. Students can study on campus or through online programs designed for flexibility and career advancement.
1,104
Enrolled students
Fall 2024 Fact Book (all undergrad & grad)
Lamoni Campus
16:1
Student to faculty ratio
Fall 2023 Fact Book
41
Academic programs
Fall 2024 Fact Book
Learn More
Graceland University was founded over 125 years ago after land was generously gifted by a group of Lamoni church members in order to build a college.
Creating a warm, welcoming environment that offers support and individual attention is important to our faculty and staff. With small class sizes and our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, at Graceland, you’ll never be just a number.
Yes. Graceland University has strived to maintain the highest academic integrity possible since 1895. The university undergoes a rigorous accreditation process on a regular basis.
Graceland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has maintained accreditation since 1920. Many programs also hold specialized accreditations, including nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and education programs approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
Obtain an official copy of Graceland University’s HLC accreditation details.
Graceland University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1920. Graceland’s accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in 2017, and the next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2027.
Obtain an official copy of Graceland University’s HLC accreditation details.
Graceland University’s online programs have been approved by the State of Iowa to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education, and Graceland has been a member since February 2016. Membership requires annual renewal, which takes place each February.
Graceland is approved to operate in Missouri by the Missouri Department of Higher Education.
Graceland University’s teacher undergraduate education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE).
IDOE approval was most recently renewed November 16, 2016, after an April 2016 review. It expires in 2022-23 when Graceland will participate in an on-site renewal evaluation.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Graceland University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202)887.6791. View Graceland’s accreditation details.
The master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa State Board of Nursing. View Iowa MSN accreditation. View Iowa DNP accreditation.
The baccalaureate degrees in nursing have full approval status with the Iowa and Missouri State Boards of Nursing. View Iowa BSN accreditation. View Missouri pass rates.
2026 Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution
View ArticleRanked #3: Top Nurse Educator Certificate Online Programs for 2024
View ArticleRanked #21: Best Online Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs for 2024
View ArticleRanked #1: 2023 Top Ranked Online AGNP Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
View ArticleRegional Universities Midwest – 2025
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – 2025
Best Online Bachelor’s Business Programs – 2025
Best online Master’s in Nursing Programs – 2025
Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing – 2025
Top Performers on Social Mobility – 2025
Best Colleges in America (2023)
Ranked #38: 100 Best Nursing Schools in the Plains 2019
2020 Nursing Diversity Champion
2024 – Ranked #20 – Best Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
View Article2024 – Ranked #24 – Most Affordable Online Master’s Degree Programs of 2024
View ArticleRanked #2 – Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Ranked #7 – Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
View Article2017 Grateful Grads Index: Top 200 Best-Loved Colleges (2017)
View Article1,104
Enrolled students
Fall 2024 Fact Book (all undergrad & grad)
99%
Receive financial aid
Fall 2024 Fact Book (Lamoni Campus only)
41
Academic programs
Fall 2024 Fact Book
Learn More8
Pre-professional programs
Fall 2024 Fact Book
25
Undergraduate majors
Fall 2024 Fact Book
6
Master's degrees
Fall 2024 Fact Book
Graceland University, founded in 1895, is a private, four-year liberal arts university.
Recognized by The Princeton Review as a “Best in the Midwest” (2012-2027).
Academic Programs: More than 40 academic programs, including eight pre-professional programs, 25 undergraduate majors, six master’s degrees, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Online Programs: Graceland offers online degree programs to over 326 students in nursing, business, and religion.
Student to faculty ratio: 12:1 for all undergraduate locations; 14:1 for Lamoni Campus
Faculty: All Graceland Locations: 72 full-time faculty, 75 percent with a PhD or other terminal degree.
Students: All Graceland locations: 1,054 FTE (IPEDS calculation for Full-Time Equivalent)
Housing: Students are members of 16 “Houses”
Student Clubs and Organizations: 34
Lamoni: 39 states and 29 countries
Graduate: 36 states and 4 countries
Financial Aid: 99 percent of residential students on the Lamoni campus receive aid of any type from any source.
Graceland has several notable alumni who have made a remarkable impact on their communities.
Access: Each room has internet and cable TV hookups, and each main lounge in the Residence Halls has a printer. Wireless internet is available in all housing and public buildings on campus. In addition, 249 lab computers are available to students.
Radio Station: KBUZ (Listen Here)
Athletics: Member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Graceland’s men and women athletes compete in 23 varsity teams in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HEART). Flag Football competes in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
SkillPath: More than 215,000 people annually attend SkillPath and CompuMaster seminars provided by the Graceland Center for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning.
Sponsored by Community of Christ.
For more facts, view the Graceland Fact Book, maintained by Graceland Institutional Research.
Filter By:
