Paine College is a four-year, private, not-for-profit liberal arts college, based in Augusta, Georgia. The college is one of the Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) in America. It is also a member institution of the United Negro College Fund. Its main aim is to provide quality liberal arts education, with special emphasis on ethical and spiritual values, social responsibility, and personal development. The college was founded in 1882 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, United Methodist, and the Christian Methodist Episcopal, on realizing the increased need for the education of African Americans following the Civil War. It was initially known as Paine Institute and the main aim behind its establishment was to train black ministers and teachers to educate men and women. The institute, named in honor of Bishop Robert Paine, was re-chartered as Paine College in 1903. During its initial 50 years, the college was one of the few private schools for blacks owned and staffed by Southern whites. Presently, it has approximately 850 students, of which the majority African Americans. With a long-standing tradition of interracial cooperation, the college remains an institution closely associated with Christianity. The college offers degrees in Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Mass Communications, Mathematics, and Sociology. Preparatory courses in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy are also offered. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Athletic competition also forms a prominent part of the college. The campus, sprawling over 54 acres of land, features classroom buildings, chapel, gymnasium, library, music building, men’s and women’s residence halls, and student center.