Hannibal-LaGrange University

Hannibal-LaGrange is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.HLGU is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention(Southern Baptist).Theologically, our institution affirms the statements found in the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).

Established in 1858, Hannibal-LaGrange University provides an excellent education in a co-educational environment which instills character building principles and Christian ideals. While HLGU has grown physically far beyond what its founders could have imagined, it has remained true to its original spiritual and educational mission and continues to serve as both a community of faith and a center of academic achievement.

HLGU has a rich history, including the 1928 move from LaGrange, Missouri, to its present site in Hannibal, which was made with the support of the Hannibal Chamber of Commerce and the area community. The University began offering four-year degrees in 1981.

In 1989, Hannibal-LaGrange University suffered the loss of its administration building in a catastrophic fire.Located in this building were the administrative offices, cafeteria, gym, auditorium, and classrooms. Amazingly, only one day of classes were missed as a result of the fire. College personnel responded to the challenge immediately and relocated classrooms and offices to other buildings on campus. The fire served as a catalyst for significant growth for Hannibal-LaGrange University. HLGU then conducted the most successful capital campaign in the history of the University, which more than doubled the space lost in the 1989 fire.

Having been built on a great tradition of Christian higher education, Hannibal-LaGrange University has withstood many tests throughout its long history. Through each period of adjustment and change, HLGU has emerged stronger and more determined to carry out its vision of equipping students with “Knowledge for Service.”

The vision of Hannibal-LaGrange University is to become one of the foremost Christian institutions of higher education in Missouri and the surrounding region.

The mission of Hannibal-LaGrange University is to provide an excellent education in both liberal arts and professional disciplines in a distinctively Christian environment that integrates Christian faith and learning in preparing graduates for both personal and career effectiveness.

HLGU is deeply committed to helping students discover, develop, and demonstrate God’s purpose for their lives. Our aim in Christian higher education is to help students find a vocation where they can use their God-given gifts and talents to accomplish a task which provides fulfillment and satisfaction for the glory of God. At the heart of Hannibal-LaGrange lies its commitment to its four core values—Christ Centered, Learner Focused, Globally Minded, and Service Oriented. Great joy and encouragement come from serving in a community of faith that is built on trust, service, and integrity.

Whether you are fresh from high school, pursuing graduate studies, finishing that degree you started years ago, or still in high school, HLGU has a place for you.Students at HLGU are prepared for personal and career effectiveness in a distinctly Christian environment.

Our commitment to Jesus Christ is at the heart of who we are. HLGU is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention(Southern Baptist). While many of our students are Baptist, most other denominations are represented on campus.

Hannibal-LaGrange offers more than 34 majors on the baccalaureate level. In addition, several preprofessional programs are offered on the associate level. An honors program is available for gifted and highly motivated students.

HLGU is located just 100 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri and is situated on 110 acres of scenic hills and woods on the bluffs above the Mississippi River. Campus is just a few minutes from Hannibal’s historic downtown and is within walking distance to a variety of chain restaurants and shopping.

With about 1,150 students, HLGU is sized right for personal attention from faculty and staff. The student/faculty ratio is 14:1. Most classes have under twenty students, providing for more interaction.HLGU is one of the most reasonably priced private universities in the Midwest. In addition, 93% of our students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study.Students who choose HLGU recognize the added value of a Christian university. They seek a sense of community among fellow students who share similar ideals. Currently, we have students from 25 states and a number of international countries.

We desire to amplify the student’s academic experience through real leadership opportunities, authentic spiritual growth and significant, life-long relationships.Student Life strives to provide life-changing opportunities through missions, leadership, service, and relational avenues in a noticeably authentic Christian context, preparing our students to lead effectively for the cause of Christ.

Living on campus at HLGU is a tremendous part of the overall college experience and a significant component of the educational process. When a student enrolls at HLGU he or she becomes a citizen of an academic community that is likely different from any in which he/she has previously lived. The residential community provides the student with opportunities to grow spiritually, interpersonally, and academically. It also allows the student to develop and learn self-discipline in organizing time for study, work, and social activities.Your college experience is really what you make of it. We encourage everyone to get out and build relationships, and get involved in all that HLGU has to offer.