Midstate College

Peoria, Illinois, United States · Est. 1888 · Private For-profit

A for-profit business college in Peoria, Illinois that operated from 1888 to 2019.

  • Founded in 1888 as Brown's Business College of Commerce; renamed Midstate College in 1970
  • For-profit institution located in Peoria, Illinois
  • Became a four-year institution in 1999, offering Bachelor of Business Administration and other degrees
  • Closed permanently at the end of summer 2019 due to declining enrollment and funding issues
  • Enrollment of 685 students as of 2010
  • Offered MBA program announced in 2018

History & Evolution

Midstate College traces its origins to 1857 when a commercial school opened in Peoria. After merging with another school in 1868, it was purchased by George W. Brown in 1888 and renamed Brown's Business College of Commerce. The institution operated under various names and ownership until the Bunch family acquired it in 1960, renaming it Midstate College in 1970. In 1997, the college relocated from its 95-year-old downtown location to 411 West Northmoor Road.

Academics

Midstate College was approved as a four-year institution in November 1999 and began offering a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with additional bachelor's degrees added subsequently. In 2018, the college announced plans to offer a Master of Business Administration program. The institution focused primarily on business and commerce education throughout its operational history.

Closure

In July 2019, President Meredith N. Bunch announced that Midstate College would close at the end of the summer 2019 semester. The closure resulted from declining enrollment and the failure of a potential partnership with another educational institution, which left the college without adequate funding to continue operations.

Founded
1888
Type
Private For-profit
Courses
2
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttps://www.midstate.edu/
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
2
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources