Meet the University President
Judson University operates under the wise leadership of Dr. Gene C. Crume, Jr. who has been the president of the institution since 2013. Ever since his arrival, he has guided the university through its first comprehensive strategic planning process, a plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees in February, 2014. He has secured about $12 Million in gifts from donors that go directly towards supporting the plan.
Before joining Judson University, he had served in other leadership positions in institutions like Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and Peru State College Foundation.
About Judson University
Judson University is a Christian College found along the Fox River in the city of Elgin, a few miles Northwest of Chicago. Their 88,000 square-foot Harm A. Weber Academic Center is home to their library, School of Art, Design and Architecture and many other facilities and is a LEED Gold certified building which is energy-efficient and a one of a kind building.
It is home to over 1,250 students from over 30 countries and 36 states. The institution offers a wide variety of programs at their undergraduate level, doctorate level and many others.
School Mission and Vision
Judson University represents the church at work and aims to equip its students to be fully developed, responsible persons who glorify God by the quality of their personal relationships, their work and their citizenship within the community, the nation and the world.
Judson University offers a wide variety of programs in the liberal arts, sciences and professions that enables the students to get ideas and concepts that sharpen their insights, develop their skills to meet their career goal and create a lifelong commitment to continuous learning. The institution aims to
- Minister to the whole student by addressing academic, physical, emotional and social needs in a multicultural and multinational environment.
- Provide a learner-centered education in the liberal arts and science programs.
- Embrace growth in student populations and programs through ongoing strategic planning and assessment.
Available Programs
Before getting into the available programs, it is important to remember that learning at Judson University does not only take place in the classroom. The institution has integrated practical sessions into the programs accordingly. For example, students majoring in architecture get to visit and study the skyscrapers in Chicago.
Let’s take a look at the programs that are being offered at Judson University.
Undergraduate Level
Architecture
- Architecture
- Interior Design
Art and Design
- Art
- Art: Photography
- Graphic Design
- Studio Art
Biblical and Theological Studies
- Biblical Studies
Business
- Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
- Business Certificates
Christian Ministries
- Christian Ministry
- Intercultural Leadership
- Youth and Family Ministries
Communication Arts
- Communication Studies
Computer Science
- Computer Science
Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education (1st – 6th grade)
- Secondary Education (9th 12th grade)
- Special Education: Learning Behavior Specialist I
English
- Interdisciplinary Communication
- Literature
- Writing
- Media Writing
Exercise Sport Science
- Health Promotion and Performance
- Sport Management
History
- History Minor
- Pre-Law
Music
- Music Performance (Voice, Piano or Instrumental)
- Music Business & Entrepreneurship
Psychology
- Psychology
Science and Mathematics
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Pre-professional Programs
Worship Arts
- Worship Arts
Adult Professional Program
These are short programs that allow working adults to earn their desired certification and are designed to match their unique interests. The classes take place one night a week, can be online and offer a professional, supportive environment with quality education.

Bachelor Degrees
- Applied Psychology
- Business Administration
- Human Services
- Organizational Leadership
Associate Degree
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Certificate Exam Preparation Courses
- Certified Six Sigma Yellow Belt (CSSYB)
- Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)
- Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB)
- Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)
- Certified Quality Process Analyst (CQPA)
- Certified Quality Technician (CQT)
- Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP)
- Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
- Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Lean Bronze Certification
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®)
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®)
Graduate Programs
Master’s Degrees
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in Community Music
- Master of Arts in Human Services Administration
- Master of Arts in Leadership and Ministry
- Practical Theology and Ministry Certificate
- Holy Land Certificate
- Ministry Leadership Certificate
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education in Literacy
Doctorate Degrees
- Doctor of Education in Computer Science
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Doctor of Education in Literacy
RISE Program
This program is designed to give a similar college life experience to students with intellectual disabilities.
- RISE Program
High School Prep Program
The High School Prep Program is meant to give high school junior or senior students the chance to earn up to 24 hours of college credit and high school credit.
- Prep Program
University Fees and Tuition Aid
Here are some of the estimates of the amount required to get a quality education at Judson University.
DIRECT COSTS | SEMESTER | YEAR |
Tuition | $14,925 | $29,850 |
Student Life Fee | $265 (commuter: $235) | $530 (commuter: $470) |
Technology Fee | $265 | $530 |
Room and Board | $5,660 | $11,320 (19 Meal Plan) |
$5,555 | $11,110 (14 Meal Plan) | |
$5,415 | $10,830 (10 Meal Plan) | |
$5,610 | $11,220 (10 Meal Plus Plan) |
INDIRECT COSTS | SEMESTER | YEAR |
Books | $635 | $1,270 |
Transportation | $400 | $800 |
Personal/Miscellaneous | $850 | $1,700 |
Approximately 99% of Judson students receive some form of financial aid. International students can receive athletic, merit, and need-based scholarships at the undergraduate level. There may also be departmental scholarships available. Contact your admissions counselor to find out about all the different scholarship opportunities that are available to you.
There are a few scholarships that you can apply for as an international student:
Academic Scholarship – Based on the student’s test scores on ACT and/or SAT as well as their cumulative GPA from a U.S. or internationally recognized high school. Students will be awarded a minimum of $6K/year and a maximum of $14K/year.
Judson Grant – Grant based on the student’s financial need. Awarded after completion of the Certificate of Finances and supporting documentation (bank statements, letter from sponsor, etc.).
Please contact your Financial Aid Counselor for further consultation.
More Expenses
Once you have been admitted to Judson University, you will send a payment of $400. Of that, $250 (USD) will be applied to your bill as the enrollment deposit and $150 (USD) will be applied to your bill as the housing deposit. In the unfortunate case that you are unable to attend Judson, this money can be refunded to you, if required, before June 1. An additional $50 (USD) fee will be added to your bill when you arrive on campus. This is an international fee (nonrefundable) for the cost of creating and shipping your I-20 and your welcome basket.
At the Judson University website, a detailed explanation of the financial aid process is provided which eases the students’ choice process.

Life as a Student
The international student community at Judson University is relatively small, approximately 7%. As an international student, you will have the opportunity to share your culture and experiences while growing as an individual.
Judson University offers on campus and off campus activities like “Taste of Judson” which involves cooking your indigenous foods and sharing with the entire student body.
You’ll also get to enjoy the city of Chicago by going sightseeing at the shores of Lake Michigan, Buckingham Fountain, or Lincoln Park. You can also look forward to the Jazz Festival. Chicago is a hub for arts and culture. You’ll have access to world-class museums like Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Smart Museum of Arts, etc.
The Judson Student Organization International President continually plans monthly get-togethers for all the international students to go out to dinner, bowling, or a day in the city.
Diversity
Judson University embraces diversity to foster inclusion, service and quality of life amongst their global and local communities. The institution has set up strategic plans that aim to facilitate meaningful and sustainable impact throughout the Judson community and enrich the university as a whole.
At Judson University, there is an interrelated mix of race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, physical ability, age, geography and intellect. Since the international student body is small, there’s a lot to learn and explore and probably some precedences to set for future international students.
Getting to Know Elgin
Judson University is located in Elgin, Illinois which offers a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options for the students of the institution. For example, the institution is within driving distance of a number of shopping malls, including Woodfield Mall, which is one of the biggest malls in the USA.
The Chicagoland area has a lot of entertainment venues like amusement parks, museums, theaters, galleries, sports teams and many others. Some of the popular dining areas in Elgin are:
- Alexander’s Café
- Bennigan’s
- Benedict’s Eggs and More
- Burnt Toast and many others.
If you like what you see about Judson University, don’t hesitate to take the opportunity of joining that prestigious institution.