ABOUT FORMAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF
FORMAN CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Forman Christian College, a Chartered University (FCCU) is a liberal arts institution where students of all backgrounds – men and women, Muslim, Christian, and other minorities – live, interact, and learn together.  FCCU is successfully demonstrating a model of interfaith harmony to a nation and culture historically deeply divided along lines of religion, class, and gender.

 

FCCU consists of two distinct schools: the college, or intermediate program, is equivalent to the last two years of high school in the United States. Punjab law requires that intermediate schools be segregated by gender. FCCU’s program is all male. The co-educational university is built around a western-style four-year liberal arts model, and concludes with bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. All classes are taught in English. 

Dr. Charles W. Forman, a Presbyterian missionary from the United States, founded FCCU in 1864 in Lahore, Pakistan. Enrollment grew quickly from 18 students in 1886 to 600 by 1915. The institution became co-educational in 1902 and moved to the current 108-acre campus in 1940. In 1972, the Pakistani government seized control of all private educational institutions. They abandoned everything that had been Forman related, including curriculum, faculty, and administration. During the 30 years of government control, all campus maintenance was deferred. FCCU was returned to the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2003, due a lawsuit which found in favor of PC(USA) as owners of the land, and because of the many prominent alumni of FCCU who lobbied the government for return of the university to the rightful owners who would restore it to its original quality. Today, a Pakistani Christian Board of Directors manages the oversight of the college. In 2004, FCCU was granted Chartered University status, meaning they can establish curriculum, give exams, and confer degrees. Enrollment as of Fall 2021 stands at 8,500+ students.

GRADUATION STATISTICS

LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

FCCU, a member of the Global Liberal Arts Alliance, was the first university in Pakistan to offer a liberal arts baccalaureate education, providing a balance of depth and breadth of learning. FCCU is also working toward accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Once this achievement is reached, they will be the only university in Pakistan to have U.S. accreditation.

 

All baccalaureate students take a required number of courses in humanities, physical and natural sciences, mathematics, information technology, and social sciences in addition to their major courses.

 

Depth of learning provides students opportunities for career preparation, teaching them to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, and become lifelong learners. Breadth of learning provides the basis for students to understand modern issues as they develop, to live a life of quality, to have a healthy curiosity about the world, and above all, to be good citizens of their countries and the world.

  

Click here to see the current Academic Catalog at Forman Christian College.

 

QUALITY FACULTY

There are 361+ faculty members at FCCU, many holding degrees from some of the best universities in the world. Our faculty brings an international perspective to the classroom. Almost half hold terminal degrees for their field. They encourage dialogue and questions in the classroom while adding their unique career experiences and innovative techniques to their teaching.

 

AN INVITING ENVIRONMENT

Our 108-acre campus provides a green oasis in the middle of Lahore, a bustling city of more than thirteen million people. A growing student enrollment means improvements to facilities are an ongoing process; renovations and expansions are taking place in administrative and academic buildings, and in staff and faculty housing. New buildings added on campus since denationalization include the Armacost Science Building, Hope Tower, Mercy Health Care, the Light of Hope Elementary School, and the Media Center. Each of the 1940s men’s hostels (dormitories) has been completely renovated. Now in the final year of construction, FCCU is building a 177,000-square-foot campus center which will hold the new digital library, an auditorium, a business incubation center, dining hall, meeting rooms, offices, and more.

SOCIAL LIFE

With more than thirty student-run societies (clubs) to choose from, students can pursue a specific academic interest outside of class or indulge their taste for music, drama, debate, art, photography, or sports. These societies are very active, with more than 350 activities and events scheduled each academic year. Participation develops leadership skills, builds personal confidence, and provides additional opportunities for students of different backgrounds to find common ground and learn more about one another.

 

For more information on the student societies at Forman Christian College, click here.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

FCCU has regular intramural clubs in basketball, cricket, football, hockey, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, and wrestling. Both women and men participate in sports on campus; however, the gym is for men only as dictated by cultural norms.

 

For more information on sports and other student-related topics at Forman Christian College, click here.

TUITION AND HOUSING

In the 2022-20203 academic year, the average cost for a BA/BS degree is $2,500. This is inclusive of a 15% administrative overhead fee withheld by Friends of Forman to fund the cost of FCCU leadership and the mission in the U.S. Some areas of concentration are more costly than others. Double occupancy room & board is an additional $1,163/year. 

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