Allen University

Allen University is a private, historically Black university (HBCU) in Columbia, South Carolina. It was founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and named for Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church. The institution began as Payne Institute and was chartered as Allen University in 1881. It has a long history of serving African American students and remains affiliated with the AME Church. Allen University offers undergraduate degree programs in areas such as business, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, mathematics, music, religion, social work, and teacher education. It is a small, mission-driven institution focused on liberal arts and professional preparation rather than large-scale research. The university participates in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). The campus is located in an urban setting in Columbia, the state capital. Allen emphasizes faith-based education, community engagement, and access to higher education for underserved populations. Its scale and close-knit campus environment distinguish it from large public research universities.