History
The Academy of Richmond County was chartered in 1783. It was closed for a time during the Civil War, when it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Control was finally given to the Board of Education in 1909, and in 1925 it became the Junior College of Augusta. The College moved in 1955 to the former Augusta Arsenal complex, now abandoned. In 1996, the College was granted university status.
Augusta State University was founded as the Academy of Richmond County, offering college-level courses for boys who would later enter university beyond the first-year level. It became a junior college in 1925 and became a member of the State University System in 1958. It became a 4 year college in 1963. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission statement says in part, “Augusta State University is committed to excellence in teaching, advancement of knowledge, and enrichment of the community in a climate that fosters human values and a life-long love of learning.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.