Pursuing Our Mission from the Start
Founded in 1882, Alliance University is rooted in its commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development. Established as an educational institution of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), Alliance University has been training men and women for global impact since its inception. What started as one man’s burning desire to see the gospel taken to all nations has become an institution with 35,000 graduates faithfully serving in 90 countries around the globe.
OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Dr. A.B. Simpson, the founder of The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) and
Alliance University.
The Legacy of Dr. A.B. Simpson
Over one hundred and thirty years ago, God ignited an overwhelming love for people of every race and tongue in the heart of a Canadian named Dr. A.B. Simpson. At the time, Simpson was the pastor of a large and affluent church in Manhattan. In response to what God was doing in his own life, Simpson urged his congregants to welcome the immigrants who were pouring into the city. Many in the church resisted this compassionate call and rejected Simpson’s vision for the church.
One Sunday morning in 1882, Simpson declared from the pulpit, “I am not interested in being a respectable Christian.” He resigned from the pastorate and established the Missionary Training Institute, where people would be trained to take the good news of God’s love wherever it needed to be heard.
That school today is known as Alliance University.
Since its inception on the back of a Broadway stage, Alliance University has grown to become an institution of over 2,000 students pursuing a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. At the heart of it all is the commitment to share the love of Christ in the communities of our nation and abroad.
Dr. A.B. Simpson described this commitment as taking “the whole Gospel to the whole world.” Today, Alliance University is known as the most diverse Christian school in higher education–the fulfillment of A.B. Simpson’s vision for a community from all walks of life united in a common purpose.
Where We Are Today
Now more than ever, the world needs leaders who are grounded in faith and integrity, who are innovative and entrepreneurial, and who are devoted to making a difference. Alliance University is committed to developing such leaders.
We look ahead focused on four foundational areas we believe best prepare our graduates to be difference-makers: Students, Academics, Values, and Economics (SAVE).
1. Students
Through a community focused on the student’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, our University is best situated to graduate students who are not only prepared to succeed in a competitive market but will impact the world no matter their chosen profession.
2. Academics
We believe in learning both inside and outside the classroom, powered by a gifted body of professors. We recruit the best faculty in the metropolitan area with over 82% holding doctorate degrees. Our professors are not only active professionals in their fields but are committed to Christian higher education. Academics are not just about classrooms but impactful experiences through paid internships, study abroad and unique NYC-based opportunities.
3. Values
Alliance University graduates students who are empowered in a unique Christian environment. Located in the heart of NYC, our University integrates the opportunities of the city with the multi-faceted needs of our students and their individual learning paths. We offer a breadth of city opportunities while not losing sight of our mission to serve others and our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Economics
We are committed to welcoming all students to our community. A leading private institution, Alliance University maintains a competitive tuition rate and offers scholarships, grants, work-study, paid internships and financial aid. We proudly assist 97% of students with financial assistance to make an AU education possible.

Rajan S. Mathews leads the way as Alliance University’s
13th President.

Be a Part of AU’s Journey
Alliance University is supported by an international community of alumni, supporters and friends faithfully investing in the advancement of our founding mission to take the whole gospel to the whole world. From institutional projects to student scholarships, there are many ways to be involved in the future of Alliance University. We invite you to prayerfully consider how God might use you to invest in the next generation of leaders at Alliance University.
Explore Giving Opportunities