Avila University (AU)

Avila University is a co-educational University with liberal arts and professional programs. It is situated on fifty rolling acres in south Kansas City, Missouri. Avila University was founded in 1916 and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

From its modest beginnings, Avila has become a flourishing, comprehensive University offering a variety of degree programs. Founded as the College of St. Teresa, the college grew and expanded to a larger campus in 1963. It was at this time that the college name was changed to Avila College, continuing to honor St. Teresa of Avila. In 2002, Avila College became Avila University, a name reflecting its growth and development as an institution of higher education. Today, Avila continues to grow as a Catholic university and expand as it continues to offer faith and values-based academic excellence in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Why Avila University (AU)?

• Location: While Avila University’s 50-acre campus is tucked into a quiet suburban neighborhood, students will have easy highway access to all things Kansas City via I-435. From campus, students are within a 15-minute drive to The Country Club Plaza, The Truman Sports Complex, numerous biking and hiking trails, Longview Lake, and everything Kansas City.
• Campus: Avila University is just minutes off an interstate highway network and is convenient to Kansas City’s many attractions. Its eleven buildings are situated on fifty acres in suburban South Kansas City and include residence halls; a fieldhouse; a sports complex for baseball, softball, football, and soccer; the library; theatre; chapel; and classroom facilities.
• Student Life: Students will find the Avila campus an inclusive and eclectic community with more than 40 student organizations, honor societies, and 14 NAIA varsity sports. The largest student organization is OMSA (Office of Ministry, Spirituality and Action) which is open to all students of all faiths. Avila is an amazingly diverse campus with students representing more than 13 different countries. The small class sizes and attentive faculty can make all of the difference to a student in the U.S.
• Counseling Services: To help students navigate the challenges of life, Avila offers free and confidential counseling for all students. The goal is to assist students in making the most of their educational opportunities and enhance the quality of their lives.