Who We Are
History
Founded in 1850 as Defiance Female Seminary.
Became known as Defiance College in 1903.
Read more about our history!
Affiliation: Defiance College has been affiliated with the Christian Church, now United Church of Christ, since 1902. Pilgrim Medal & Honorary Degree recipients
Mission
Defiance College graduates students to lead distinctive lives in their chosen professions through a spirit of service by preparing them To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve.
Our Values
Defiance College graduates students to lead distinctive lives in their chosen professions through a spirit of service by preparing them To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve.
To Know
We believe that the liberal arts form a broad basis for all learning. We affirm that academic excellence demands a committed search for truth, competency in research and other problem-solving methods, the ability to synthesize knowledge from many sources, and a capacity for self-directed learning.
To Understand
We provide opportunities for students to perceive and make connections between the intellectual realm and the world. We strive to develop awareness of and sensitivity to global interdependence and diverse cultures.
To Lead
We are committed to the betterment of the community, the nation, and the world through the development of leadership skills and abilities. We create opportunities for students to initiate and facilitate beneficial action in and out of the classroom and encourage self-reflection on the role of the dedicated leader.
To Serve
We encourage our students to be of service to their fellow students, their chosen fields of study, their communities and the world. We provide opportunities for students to transform society through civic engagement along with application of their knowledge and understanding to service.
Smaller Is Stronger
We take Pride In Celebrating Every Voice
12:1
Student to faculty Ratio
150 acre
Campus Size
650
Student Population
13
Average Class Size
Defiance College is in the Northwest corner of Ohio at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee Rivers; one hour from Lima and Toledo, Ohio, and Ft. Wayne, Indiana; two hours from Detroit, Michigan; three hours from Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; and four hours from Chicago, Illinois. The city of Defiance has 18,000 residents.
National Recognition
- Recognized by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll as a top school in the nation for community service and engagement.
- One of 81 US colleges and universities named Colleges With a Conscience by Princeton Review and Campus Compact.
- On the Military Friendly Schools® list as named by Victory Media. The Military Friendly Schools® list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.
Accreditation
Defiance College holds several prestigious accreditations, both at the program and the institution levels. Click the heading above to see our full list of accreditations.
