Eastern University, located in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, is a private Christian institution rooted in the American Baptist tradition and committed to educating students in faith, reason, and justice. Founded in 1925 as Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, the collegiate department was established in 1932 and became Eastern Baptist College in 1952 before relocating to its present 92-acre suburban campus. In 2001, the institution gained university status and, in 2003, reunited with its original seminary - now Palmer Theological Seminary - creating a comprehensive academic community that welcomes learners of all denominations. With its maroon and gold colors and the Eagle mascot, Eastern fosters a close-knit yet globally minded environment just 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia.
Academically, Eastern University offers more than 160 undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs across colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, Business & Leadership, Psychology & Counseling, Health & Human Services, and Faith & Ministry. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 10:1, classes remain small and discussion-oriented, enabling professors to mentor students closely through collaborative research, internships, and service-learning projects. Undergraduates can choose from over 70 majors and minors—such as Business Administration, Communication, Psychology, Nursing, and Christian Ministries—while graduate students pursue advanced degrees in fields like Organizational Leadership, Counseling, and Theology. Eastern’s curriculum emphasizes experiential learning; students often participate in hands-on internships throughout the Philadelphia region or study abroad in locations ranging from London to Costa Rica, ensuring they graduate with both intellectual rigor and practical experience.
Guided by its Christian mission, Eastern University places strong emphasis on spiritual formation, ethical leadership, and community engagement. Nearly 90% of graduates find employment or enroll in graduate school within one year of commencement, thanks to robust career services, a broad alumni network, and partnerships with local organizations. Students engage in service initiatives - such as community outreach in West Philadelphia, local tutoring programs, and global mission trips - that reinforce classroom learning and cultivate a heart for service. Weekly chapel gatherings, faith-based small groups, and leadership workshops on campus nurture spiritual growth and foster a sense of belonging. Whether through faculty-led research in the sciences or collaborative Bible study in Palmer Seminary, each student is encouraged to integrate faith and learning in pursuit of the common good.
Campus life at Eastern University is vibrant and inclusive. More than 50 student clubs and organizations - ranging from academic societies and cultural clubs to intramural sports - provide ample opportunities for involvement and leadership development. Eastern’s Eagles compete in NCAA Division III athletics as members of the MAC Freedom conference, fielding teams in basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and more, which helps cultivate school spirit and camaraderie. On campus, students enjoy modern residence halls, the Julia Fowler Planetarium, an arboretum featuring walking trails, and the Esther Boyer College of Music performance spaces. With Philadelphia’s art museums, theater scene, and internship opportunities just a short train ride away, Eastern students seamlessly blend on-campus engagement with metropolitan exploration, creating a well-rounded college experience focused on growth, service, and lifelong learning.