Associated with the Christian Reformed Church and founded in 1955, Dordt University of Sioux Center, Iowa welcomes all students who are interested in a biblical, Christ-centered education. Today, as an accredited Christian university, we're on a mission to cultivate the next generation of servant-leaders, who will saturate their relationships and communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dordt takes its name from the historic Synod of Dordrecht, held in the Netherlands in 1618-1619. The Canons of Dort, one of the three major confessional statements of Reformed churches, came from that synod. The Canons of Dort were a response to statements made by the followers of Jacob Arminius, and emphasized the sovereignty of God through his electing grace.
Our Mission
Dordt's curriculum is designed to provide each student with a comprehensive, biblical education from a historic Reformed, Christian perspective. We offer more than 40 majors and 12 pre-professional programs of study.
Dordt has over 100 full-time faculty members and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. We have been named the #1 college in the nation for student engagement by WSJ and others.
Faculty InformationDordt University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as a four-year, bachelor degree granting institution. Our accreditation dates from 1969, with the most recent renewal in 2023. In 1994, Dordt gained approval from the HLC to offer its first graduate program, leading to the Master of Education degree. Dordt now offers additional master's degrees in Special Education, Public Administration, and Social Work, and holds specialized accreditation in nursing, education, social work, and engineering.
Dordt uses a combination of high school GPA and ACT, SAT, or CLT scores to determine admission. Dordt also has a Test Optional policy. For more information, please review the Admissions Requirements section of the catalog. Recommended high school preparation includes: English/Language Arts (4 years), foreign language (2 years), natural science (3 years), social science (2 years), and mathematics (3 years – including algebra and geometry)
Dordt University is part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, whose purpose is to advance faith and intellect for the common good.
Dordt students enjoy a robust social life in and out of the classroom. Approximately 88% of Dordt students live in campus housing and participate in dozens of clubs and activities—from choir and band to student government, drama, and beyond.
About Student Life
A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), Dordt fields intercollegiate teams in men's baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, indoor and outdoor track; and in women's basketball, cross country, dance, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball. Cheer is now offered as a co-ed sport.
Club sport offerings include hockey and trapshooting. Junior varsity schedules are played in volleyball, football, women's and men's basketball, baseball, and softball. A variety of intramural sports are offered as well.
