Home

Travel Information

Housing & Meals

Courses

Program Staff

Field Trips

Optional Events

Program Photos

About KU

About Lawrence

AEC Contacts

History - The University of Kansas was founded in 1864 and opened its doors in 1866 with a first-year enrollment of 55 men and women. The Civil War had ended the year before, and the state of Kansas was only 5 years old. KU is one of the oldest universities west of the Mississippi. The University of Kansas (KU) now has more than 26,000 students, including 1,500 international students from more than 100 nations.

Academics - KU takes great pride in its distinguished faculty members and their dedication to guiding the intellectual development of KU students. Our faculty will encourage you to take advantage of the richness of KU's academic offerings. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and programs in allied health, architecture, business, chemistry, education, engineering, fine arts, computer science, journalism, liberal arts and sciences, nursing, pharmacy, and social welfare.

Location - The KU campus is one of the most beautiful in the United States. It is located on Mount Oread, a scenic tree-covered hill in the center of Lawrence. The university is home to several nationally recognized museums, and the university library is one of the best public research libraries in the United States. The campus has an exciting cultural and social life, including lectures, films, concerts, art exhibits, theatrical productions, and athletic competitions.

The city of Lawrence, with a population of about 80,000 is regarded as one of the nation's best small cities and noted for its arts scene, live music, and historic downtown. Lawrence is only 40 minutes from Kansas City, site of the university's other major campus, the KU Medical Center.

Campus size - 1,000 acres. National Geographic magazine has called KU's campus one of the most attractive. Campus landmarks include the Campanile, a bell tower erected as a World War II memorial, and Fraser Hall, which sits at the top of Mount Oread and can be seen from as far away as 15 miles. The campus also is home to the Natural History Museum, one of the state's top 10 tourist attractions, and to the Museum of Anthropology, Spencer Museum of Art, and Wilcox Classical Museum. A popular site for sports fans is Allen Field House, one of college basketball's most famous arenas and home to the men's and women's basketball teams.