Mission Statement:

The mission of York College is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society.

History

York College was founded on August 26, 1890, by the United Brethren Church in conjunction with York citizens who wanted a church-related college. In 1946, a merger with the Evangelical Church resulted in control of the college passing to the newly-formed Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church. In 1954, that body decided to transfer its support to another EUB institution, Westmar University in LeMars, Iowa. An agreement had existed from the school's beginning that control of the school would pass to the City of York should the governing body ever decide to close the college. Because of this, the city took control of the property and the corporate structure, which has remained continuous since 1890, was transferred to members of the churches of Christ in 1956.

The new administration reopened York College in fall 1956 as a senior college with 89 students. After two years, the administration recommended that York College focus on associate degree programs, cease offering the baccalaureate program, and work toward accreditation with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). In 1970, NCA awarded accreditation to York College, the first junior college in Nebraska to receive that distinction. In 1988, York College began the transition to senior college status with the strong support of both the York community and church constituencies. The important first step came in 1989 when the North Central Association granted its approval for the College to award the Bachelor of Arts Degree with majors in Biblical Studies and Religious Studies. Approval of other programs soon followed. The college gained accreditation as a senior college in 1994.