Fairmount College, situated in what is known as Fairmount addition, Wichita, dates back to 1886. It was originally intended to he a first class college for women—the "Vassar of the Plains." The site, a beautiful piece of ground, overlooking the Arkansas valley, was selected by Rev. J. H. Parker and H. A. Clifford, and work on the main building was begun in 1887. The collapse of the Kansas "boom" and consequent business depression hindered the movement, and it was not until 1892, when the Congregational Educational Society of Boston took charge that the building was completed. A school called "Fairmount Institute," for both men and women, was opened as a preparatory school, with Rev. M. Tunnell as the first principal. He was assisted by two teachers. In 1906 the school had grown so that it had a faculty of twenty instructors.

Fairmount College proper was organized in 1895 and opened in September of that year, with Dr. N. J. Morrison as president. The academy was still maintained for the preparation of students for the college, or other colleges and scientific schools, and for practical business, teaching and housekeeping. The college offers a regular four-year course and has special departments of art, music and domestic science. The college owes its origin and chief financial support to the Congregational church, but it nonsectarian. The endowment has been received from the citizens of Wichita and people in the east.