Allen University is a private historically black university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. The following is a detailed introduction to the school:

History:

Founded in 1870, it was originally established in Coxbury as the "Payne Institute" by African Methodist Episcopal priests to provide education for former African slaves and their children.

In 1880, the school moved to Columbia and was named Allen University after Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Over the years, it has continued to develop, from its initial focus on training preachers and teachers to gradually expanding to training graduates in other academic fields.

Academic situation:

Colleges and majors: The school consists of multiple colleges and departments, offering Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Majors cover the humanities, social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences, business management, religion and other fields.

Academic accreditation: The school has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to ensure teaching quality and academic level.

Campus Environment:

The campus buildings are of historical significance, and some of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adding a strong historical atmosphere and unique aesthetic value to the campus. In addition to historical buildings, the school also has modern teaching facilities.

Student Group:

The student population is relatively small, with more than 600 students. The student group is diverse, mainly from the southeastern region of the United States, such as South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, and there are also international students from 34 other states and 8 countries.

Famous Alumni:

The school has cultivated many alumni who have achieved outstanding achievements in various fields, such as Dr. Margaret A. Dickson, the first African American president of the American Association of Retired Persons; one of the first African American modern legislators in South Carolina, Senator Kay Patterson, who served in the 7th District of the South Carolina Senate, etc.

Sports: The school's sports programs are influential and are members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC), Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Rankings: In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings of American liberal arts colleges, Allen University is ranked 186-204; ranked 71-78 among historically black colleges and universities; and ranked 151st for social mobility.