William Penn University
William Penn University is a private four-year Quaker-founded liberal arts institution in Oskaloosa, Iowa, enrolling 1,300+ students from 41 states and 38 countries across 20+ majors and graduate programs in organizational leadership and sport management.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1873
- HeadquartersOskaloosa, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What William Penn University does
William Penn University is a private four-year liberal arts institution founded in 1873 by Quaker pioneers in Oskaloosa, Iowa. It enrolls over 1,300 students drawn from 41 U.S. states and 38 foreign countries, offering more than 20 majors across eight academic divisions — Applied Technology, Business Administration, Education, Humanities, Kinesiology and Life Sciences, New Media, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences — plus two graduate programs (Master of Organizational Leadership, a 36 credit-hour program, and Master of Sport Management). A distinctive Penn Leadership Core curriculum, comprising a Mission Core (21 credit hours) and Liberal Arts Core (18-21 credit hours), is required of all students and is rooted in Quaker values emphasizing leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
The university generates primary revenue through tuition and fees, supplemented by fundraising and advancement activities managed by the Office of Advancement, which handles alumni relations, annual fund, major gifts, and planned giving. Distribution is delivered through three channels: a residential campus in Oskaloosa serving traditional undergraduates (with NAIA Statesmen athletics), graduate programs for working professionals, and self-serve online/distance learning options covering education, business, psychology, and graduate degrees. The underlying technology stack is standard higher education infrastructure — WordPress CMS, SolarWinds Service Desk for IT ticketing, Parchment for official transcripts, and Handshake for career services connecting students to 3,200+ employers.
The institution is independently governed by a Board of Trustees that appoints the President (currently John Ottosson, Class of '84), with the President's Cabinet overseeing academic affairs, financial operations, enrollment management, athletics, student life, and IT. Customer-facing recruitment occurs through campus visits, online applications, and transfer pathways, while a multi-channel marketing approach leverages the website, social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), and the Handshake career platform. The school serves distinct student segments including prospective undergraduates, graduate students, transfer students, military-affiliated students (via VA Education Benefits), and distance/online learners.
William Penn University firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- William Penn University
- Legal name
- William Penn University
- Website
- https://wmpenn.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1873
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- William Penn University is a private four-year Quaker-founded liberal arts institution in Oskaloosa, Iowa, enrolling 1,300+ students from 41 states and 38 countries across 20+ majors and graduate programs in organizational leadership and sport management.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
William Penn University industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Religiously Affiliated Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- General Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAA)
Keywords
Where William Penn University is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oskaloosa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
William Penn University business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Tuition and Fees: As a private four-year liberal arts institution, William Penn University generates primary revenue through student tuition and fees. The university offers various financial aid programs, scholarships, and federal work-study opportunities to support student enrollment.
- Fundraising and Advancement: The Office of Advancement manages alumni relations, donor engagement, annual fund, major gifts, and strategic development initiatives. The university conducts fundraising campaigns including the William Penn Partnership Fund and accepts various gift types including cash, securities, real estate, and planned gifts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard undergraduate tuition |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
William Penn University product offering
Product offeringCore offering
William Penn University delivers four-year liberal arts undergraduate education across more than 20 majors in eight academic divisions, plus two graduate degree programs (Master of Organizational Leadership at 36 credit hours and Master of Sport Management) and flexible online/distance learning options in education and other fields. The required Penn Leadership Core curriculum, rooted in Quaker values, builds a foundation in leadership, communication, and critical thinking for every student. The university serves over 1,300 students from 41 U.S. states and 38 foreign countries through its Oskaloosa, Iowa residential campus and online channels.
Product overview
William Penn University is a four-year liberal arts institution offering more than 20 majors across eight academic divisions (Applied Technology, Business Administration, Education, Humanities, Kinesiology & Life Sciences, New Media, Nursing, and Social & Behavioral Sciences) plus graduate studies. The institution provides both traditional on-campus programs and flexible online/distance learning options. Graduate offerings include the Master of Organizational Leadership (36 credit hours) and Master of Sport Management. The Penn Leadership Core is a distinctive required curriculum component emphasizing leadership, communication, and critical thinking rooted in Quaker values. Academic programs emphasize technology, leadership development, and experiential learning.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Statesmen: Athletic teams mascot and nickname for William Penn University
Products and services
- Master of Organizational Leadership A 36 credit hour graduate program equipping students to tackle key leadership challenges through courses grounded in real-world problem solving and practical application, taught by industry professionals actively working in their fields. Intended for working professionals seeking advanced leadership credentials.
- Master of Sport Management Graduate program focused on service-based event operations and athletic administration, created in response to the growing need for professionals in the sport industry. Intended for working professionals pursuing careers in athletic administration and sport operations.
- Distance Learning / Online Programs Flexible online degrees in Elementary Education, Physical Education, Health, K-12 Athletic Coaching, and endorsements for licensed educators, plus undergraduate online degrees in Business Management, Human Resource Management, and Psychology with personalized advising, transfer-friendly options, and tailored academic plans. Intended for working adults and licensed educators needing flexible scheduling.
- Nursing (BSN) Program Four-Year Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program preparing graduates with enhanced leadership skills essential to nursing practice in a diverse and ever-changing healthcare environment. Intended for traditional undergraduates pursuing a registered nursing career.
- Applied Technology Programs Academic division offering majors including Applied Computer Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Industrial Technology, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, General Mathematics, Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Digital Leadership, and 3+2 Engineering. Intended for undergraduates pursuing technology and engineering careers.
- Business Administration Programs Academic division offering majors including Accounting, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management, Insurance, and Economics. Intended for undergraduates preparing for business and management careers.
- New Media Program Program exploring the professional practice of creative storytelling leading to employment in media professions including filmmaking, game design, sports production, video production, visual communication, and digital tools for mass audience communication. Intended for undergraduates pursuing media and creative careers.
- Humanities Programs Academic division offering majors and minors including English, Creative Arts, Music, Creative Writing, Graphic Art, Art, and Theatre. Intended for undergraduates pursuing humanities and creative arts studies.
- Kinesiology & Life Sciences Programs Academic division offering majors including Biology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sport Management, Wellness & Recreation, and minors in Chemistry and Earth Science. Intended for undergraduates pursuing life sciences, sport, and wellness careers.
- Social & Behavioral Sciences Programs Academic division offering majors including Psychology, Sociology (with Criminology emphasis), Human Services, History, Political Science, and minors in Criminology and Religion. Intended for undergraduates pursuing social science and human services careers.
- Education Programs Academic division offering Elementary Education (K-6), Secondary Education (5-12), Secondary Education (K-12), and Add-On Endorsements preparing students for K-12 teaching careers. Intended for undergraduates pursuing initial teacher licensure.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1,300 students enrolled from diverse geographic backgrounds
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use William Penn University
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
William Penn University technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
William Penn University partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
William Penn University competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Wartburg College: Private Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts college in Waverly, Iowa, with similar size, residential model, and broad undergraduate academic portfolio serving the same regional recruitment market as WPU.
- McKendree University: Private university in Lebanon, Illinois, with similar scale, NCAA Division II/NAIA athletics, undergraduate liberal arts core, and online/graduate program offerings.
- Central Methodist University: Private Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university in Fayette, Missouri, of comparable size and structure; an alumni/leadership touchpoint for WPU given incoming EVP Ken Oliver's prior service there.
- Simpson College: Private liberal arts college in Indianola, Iowa, with similar enrollment scale, NCAA Division III athletics, and a comparable mix of undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs.
- Kansas Wesleyan University: Private Methodist-affiliated university in Salina, Kansas, with similar small-college scale, NAIA athletics, and broad undergraduate/graduate offerings; directly relevant as the prior institution of WPU's incoming advancement leader.
- Graceland University: Private liberal arts university in Lamoni, Iowa, with similar values-based identity, small residential population, and online program offerings targeting adult learners.
- William Jewell College: Private liberal arts college in Liberty, Missouri, with comparable size, values-based identity, and a similar mix of undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs.
- Buena Vista University: Private liberal arts university in Storm Lake, Iowa, with comparable enrollment scale, similar undergraduate offerings, and a strong tradition of online and continuing education programs.
- Upper Iowa University: Private university headquartered in Fayette, Iowa, with a comparable mix of residential undergraduate, online, and graduate programs serving a similar adult-learner and traditional-student population.
- William Penn University peers — Central College: Private four-year liberal arts college in Pella, Iowa, offering comparable residential undergraduate programs across sciences, humanities, and professional fields, and competing directly with WPU for Iowa and Midwest students.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
William Penn University social profiles
Digital presenceWilliam Penn University financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
William Penn University leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
William Penn University funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
William Penn University M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about William Penn University
What does William Penn University do?
William Penn University delivers four-year liberal arts undergraduate education across more than 20 majors in eight academic divisions, plus two graduate degree programs (Master of Organizational Leadership at 36 credit hours and Master of Sport Management) and flexible online/distance learning options in education and other fields. The required Penn Leadership Core curriculum, rooted in Quaker values, builds a foundation in leadership, communication, and critical thinking for every student. The university serves over 1,300 students from 41 U.S. states and 38 foreign countries through its Oskaloosa, Iowa residential campus and online channels.
Is William Penn University a public or private company?
William Penn University is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was William Penn University founded?
William Penn University was founded in 1873.
Where is William Penn University based?
William Penn University is headquartered in Oskaloosa, United States, in the North America region.
How does William Penn University make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Fees are the primary driver. The others are fundraising and Advancement.
Who are William Penn University's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Wartburg College, McKendree University, Central Methodist University, Simpson College, Kansas Wesleyan University, Graceland University, William Jewell College, Buena Vista University, Upper Iowa University and William Penn University peers — Central College.
Does William Penn University have an API?
No public API is recorded for William Penn University.
What industry is William Penn University in?
William Penn University's product category is Higher Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHACAF, Religiously Affiliated Liberal Arts Colleges, with a secondary code of EDAHACAA, General Liberal Arts Colleges. Its NAICS code is 61131 and its SIC code is 8200.