Antioch University-Midwest

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Town setting offering focused academic environment
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Antioch University-Midwest differs fundamentally from traditional campus experiences given the institution's focus on graduate education for working adults and its low-residency format that limits time spent physically on campus. Students typically visit campus for intensive residency periods lasting several days to a week, during which classes, workshops, community building, and advising occur in concentrated form before students return to their home communities and professional positions. During residencies, students experience the distinctive culture of Yellow Springs, a village of approximately 3,700 residents known for its artistic community, progressive politics, and alternative orientation that has attracted writers, artists, and activists since the 19th century. The campus and community provide resources for reflection, connection, and inspiration during these intensive periods before students disperse to continue their studies through online coursework and field placements. Between residencies, student life centers on professional practice, family responsibilities, and the independent study that characterizes graduate-level work, with online platforms providing connection to faculty mentors and peer cohorts. The cohort model builds community among students progressing through programs together, creating support networks that often continue after graduation. Student services address the particular needs of adult learners, including academic advising, career counseling, and support for managing the demands of graduate study alongside other life responsibilities. The Yellow Springs community welcomes students during residencies, with restaurants, galleries, and shops providing exploration opportunities.

Location & Surroundings

Yellow Springs, Ohio, provides Antioch University-Midwest with a unique setting in a village famous for its progressive character and countercultural heritage. Located in Greene County approximately 20 miles east of Dayton, Yellow Springs has maintained its distinctive identity as a community where artists, activists, academics, and freethinkers have gathered since the 19th century. The village's character reflects the historic influence of Antioch College, founded nearby in 1852 with Horace Mann as its first president, establishing educational and social ideals that continue to shape the community. Yellow Springs supports a vibrant local scene of galleries, performance venues, restaurants, and shops despite its small population, with the annual Street Fair drawing visitors from throughout the region. Glen Helen Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park provide natural areas for hiking and contemplation adjacent to the village, offering respite from academic intensity during residency periods. The Dayton metropolitan area extends services, shopping, and cultural amenities including the Dayton Art Institute and regional medical facilities beyond what Yellow Springs itself provides. Transportation to Yellow Springs typically requires automobile, as public transit options are limited, though the proximity to Interstate 675 and the Dayton International Airport facilitates access from throughout the Midwest. The four-season climate features genuine winters with snow and warm, humid summers that characterize southwestern Ohio. The community's welcoming attitude toward students and alternative thinking creates an environment supportive of the reflection and growth graduate education requires.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Antioch University-Midwest operates as a tuition-dependent private institution, with graduate program costs reflecting the intensive faculty engagement and low student-to-faculty ratios that characterize Antioch education. Tuition is assessed per credit hour, with total program costs varying by degree requirements and time to completion. The low-residency format reduces some costs associated with traditional graduate education, eliminating the need for relocation while allowing students to maintain employment income during their studies. However, residency periods require travel and accommodation expenses that students must budget alongside tuition. Financial aid options include federal student loans for eligible programs, employer tuition assistance that many working professionals access, and limited institutional scholarships and grants. The financial aid office helps students navigate options and plan for costs across their programs. Career outcomes for Antioch-Midwest graduates reflect the professional orientation of the programs. Counseling graduates pursue licensure and establish practices or join agencies serving mental health needs in their communities. Education graduates advance in teaching careers or transition to administrative and leadership positions in schools. Management graduates apply learning in nonprofit, corporate, and public sector organizations, often advancing to leadership roles that allow them to implement values-aligned practices. The university's alumni network provides connections throughout the Midwest and nationally, while the Antioch name carries recognition for progressive, practice-oriented education. Career services support students and graduates in professional development and job searching.

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