Judson University — Attraction in Elgin

Judson University is a private Christian liberal arts university located along the scenic Fox River in Elgin, Illinois—about 45 miles northwest of Chicago. Known for its strong sense of community and Christ-centered education, Judson offers a welcoming environment for both domestic and international students.

Academics

The university offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a unique, accredited architecture program—rare among Christian institutions. Other popular majors include business, psychology, worship arts, education, and design. The faculty are known for being supportive and approachable, often blending academic excellence with a strong faith perspective.

Campus

Judson’s campus spans 90 acres and includes 17 buildings, such as academic halls, dormitories, and recreational facilities. One standout is the Harm A. Weber Academic Center—a LEED Gold-certified building that houses the library and School of Art, Design & Architecture. The campus itself is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with direct access to nature trails along the river.

Arts and Student Life

Judson supports a thriving arts scene. Students can participate in theatre productions, musical ensembles, and visual art exhibitions. The Draewell Gallery regularly showcases student and professional work, and campus events often highlight creative talent across disciplines.

Athletics

Athletically, Judson is home to the Eagles, who compete in the NAIA and NCCAA. The university offers a variety of men’s and women’s sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track. The Lindner Fitness Center provides up-to-date facilities for both athletes and recreational users.

Community and Mission

Founded in 1963 and named after Adoniram Judson, the first American missionary abroad, the university integrates faith and learning. Its mission is to shape students into leaders who serve with character and purpose in their professions and communities.

Final Thoughts: Judson University is ideal for students seeking a faith-based, personalized education in a close-knit environment. Whether you're drawn by its respected architecture program, scenic campus, or emphasis on Christian values, Judson offers a unique blend of academic rigor and...

They welcome non-believers, as long as you conform to their lifestyles. My girlfriend couldn't live with me when she attended because she risked being kicked out of the program if she lived with a man she was not married to. She was expected to attend chapel 3 days out of the week and take mandatory biblical courses in order for the rest of the credits to be valid. We still laugh that they would have "Christian Rock" bands play at 10 AM during the chapel hour. Eventually she left to go to ECC and hardly any of her credits transferred over because (Surprise!) biblical courses don't have anything to do with your degrees. Judson makes you pay a premium $$$$$ to go...

5/7 perfect score, best wildlife sanctuary I've ever been to the wildlife are free to roam the pastures and walkways. The squirrels and skunks are especially at home even in the buildings. Every once and a while an architecture student can be spotted scampering back to lodging for their brief nights, but one must watch out for the boisterous other majors that scare away the wildlife that belong there. This wildlife sanctuary does have a school encroaching but the ponds are always a relief to see how even after a landfill has been dumped in them they are still "a...