Finlandia Fast Facts

• Mission, Vision & Commitments
• Our Finnish Founders - History and Heritage
• Our Lutheran Connection
• Sisu! Our Finnish Identity
• The Finlandia Plan
• Accreditation
• Non-discrimination and ADA Compliance

Fast Facts about Finlandia

Why the leaf? Along with representing our dedication to individual growth, and environmental concern, the birch leaf signifies Finlandia's Finnish heritage. Not only is the Birch tree a common sight in both Finland and the Keweenaw, it has been used to create tools and art that have helped to define both cultures.

Our mission. Since its founding in 1896, Finlandia University has remained committed to the mission of its forefathers: A Learning Community Dedicated to Academic Excellence, Spiritual Growth and Service.

A private college. Finlandia is the only private school in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA), and with a proud Lutheran and Finnish heritage, the university takes pride in being the only remaining institution of higher learning in North America founded by Finns.

Our location. Finlandia's campus setting is on the rugged finger of land known to the locals as the “Keweenaw Peninsula” in the small city of Hancock in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Visitors to campus have told us what they like best: ‘the friendly people', ‘the feeling of safety' and one-of-a-kind area that can only be found on the “Keweenaw”.

Areas of study. Finlandia offers academic programs of study leading to baccalaureate degrees in Art and Design (BFA), Business Administration (BBA), Elementary Education (BA), Liberal Studies (BA), Nursing (BSN), Human Services (BA), and associate degrees in General Studies (AGS), Criminal Justice (AA) and Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS).

Our student body. Finlandia serves a student body of about 500. Finlandia's student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, most classes have enrollments of 25 or less. Approximately 98% of Finlandia's full-time students receive financial aid.

Student life and athletics. The Athletic mascot is the Lion, and 13 NCAA Division III athletic opportunities await the serious student-athlete. An active student life awaits the student that wants to get involved, and a variety of student groups are available around the campus.

Accreditation. Finlandia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association for Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC). For more information, visit the HLC-NCA on-line at www.ncahlc.org.

University affiliations. The university holds memberships in the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Michigan, and the American Council on Education.