The University of Kansas was founded by the same determined New Englanders who moved to Kansas Territory for the purpose of creating a state free of slavery. Opened its doors to 29 men and 26 women September 12, 1866, KU became the first university of the Great Plains. The University also got support from former Kansas Governor Charles L. Robinson and his wife Sara, who donated 40 acres of Mount Oread land, and philanthropist Amos Adams Lawrence, who made considerable financial donations.

The University of Kansas is a major public research and teaching institution that operates through a diverse, multicampus system. KU is a comprehensive educational and research institution with 29,272 students and more than 2,100 faculty members. KU includes the main campus in Lawrence, a city of about 88,000 in northeastern Kansas; the Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas; the Edwards Campus in Overland Park; a clinical campus of the School of Medicine in Wichita; and educational and research facilities throughout the state.

Academics
The University of Kansas offers many academic choices – more than 190 majors in undergraduate schools alone. The value the university places on high-quality teaching creates a culture that cultivates and encourages positive interaction between students and faculty. These close working relationships pervade the university and play an important role in student success.

Distance Education
Distance education is a great way to get start on college, increase the confidence to complete a degree, update knowledge in your profession, or solve a scheduling problem. The University of Kansas offers distance learning opportunities for students who want to access KU’s high-quality instruction. These courses make KU accessible to students everywhere. Distance Education offers more than 160 undergraduate- and graduate-level courses that you may take for credit or on a noncredit basis.

Online Program
The KU Edwards Campus currently offers one online undergraduate certificate – Systems Analysis and Design Certificate. This program is planned and scheduled so working adults can complete the program without commuting to campus.

Financial Aid
The University of Kansas Office of Student Financial Aid administers many federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.