Guilford College, founded in 1837 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), is an independent college whose stated mission is to: provide a transformative, practical and excellent liberal arts education that produces critical thinkers in an inclusive, diverse environment, guided by Quaker testimonies of community, equality, integrity, peace and simplicity and emphasizing the creative problem-solving skills, experience, enthusiasm and international perspectives necessary to promote positive change in the world.
The small college focuses on teaching, experiential- and service-learning, and a student-centered approach.

• Guilford is the third-oldest coeducational institution in the country, the oldest such institution in the South, and the fourth-oldest institution of higher learning in North Carolina.