Edinboro University

Edinboro University, chartered in 1856, opened its doors in 1857 as Edinboro Academy. Initially founded, funded, and governed by the citizens of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, the university was established as a response to the community’s needs. Since then, the school has persevered through the Civil War, Great Depression, World Wars I and II, fire, controversy, and the constant evolution of public education in Pennsylvania. Each time, the school responded, educating students to meet the needs of society. While a state normal school, Edinboro graduated much-needed teachers. When a college degree became a requirement to teach, Edinboro became a state teacher’s college. In the 1960s, when a liberal education was seen as the best form of education, Edinboro became a state college. Later, when Pennsylvania organized its state-owned colleges under the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Edinboro became a university. Now there are over 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees. From an academy with barely 100 students to a university with over 8,000, Edinboro has made a journey that reflects the growth and challenges of Pennsylvania and the country.