Private liberal arts college in Ohio, affiliated with the United Church of Christ, founded 1850.
Defiance College offers undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in liberal arts education. The institution emphasizes academic excellence, research competency, and self-directed learning across multiple disciplines. Graduate programs are delivered 100% online with 8-week courses and no GRE/GMAT requirement. The college features the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity, the Carolyn M Small Honors Program, and the Jacket Journey career-readiness program integrated into all undergraduate curricula.
The 150-acre campus in Defiance, Ohio includes 18 buildings and provides access to the 200-acre Thoreau Wildlife Sanctuary. Students benefit from residence life, dining options, health and safety services, and numerous student organizations. The college emphasizes community engagement and service, with opportunities for civic engagement and leadership development. Athletics are central to campus culture, with 20 diverse sports programs and recent additions of men's volleyball, women's bowling, and powerlifting.
The college welcomes first-year students, transfer students (including from Lourdes University and Siena Heights), and international students. Graduate admissions are available for online degree-seeking programs. The institution offers no application fee for graduate programs and provides financial aid eligibility for degree-seeking students. Defiance emphasizes personalized attention, with an average class size of 13 and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
Defiance College graduates students to lead distinctive lives through a spirit of service, preparing them 'To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve.' The 1850 Promise initiative offers eligible high school students the opportunity to earn a debt-free bachelor's degree, reflecting the college's commitment to affordable education. The institution maintains its historical mission of service to humanity while fostering global awareness and leadership development.