The name "Graceland" was selected by Colonel George Barrett, land surveyor for the college, for the graceful slope of the hill upon which it was built.

The Graceland campus was extended to Independence with the establishment of the college's bachelor's degree program in 1968–69.

In 1995, Graceland acquired SkillPath, a business training company that offers seminars and classes.

[10] Graceland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

[11] Graceland's College of Liberal Arts and Science holds classes only on the Lamoni campus.

)[14] The School of Education offers international programs, where students can student-teach in New Zealand, or take winter term classes in Jamaica and Zambia.

[14] Graduate programs include a Master's of Education with six different specializations: literacy instruction, management in the inclusive classroom, collaborative teaching and learning, differentiated instruction, technology integration and mild/moderate special education.

Graceland students who plan to attend a graduate school are encouraged to consider Seton Hall as an option.

In recent years, Graceland Enactus program has taken winter term trips to Zambia, the Philippines and Belize.

In keeping with the desire for the chapel to be an accessible place of solitude, Graceland's president Frank Hough determined that the facility should remain unstaffed and open at all times.

The chapel's relatively small seating capacity makes it an intimate setting for worship, theological education and the performance of sacred music.

It is used several times a week by campus groups for worship services, and as a place of individual prayer and reflection.

It is reminiscent of the exterior simplicity of the Rothko Chapel in Houston built only a few years earlier, while its twin steeple foreshadows the deconstructivist style in architecture that began a decade later.

The chapel houses Aaron Sherer's "The Process of Becoming", a canvas wall hanging employing a mix of colorfully painted ribbons.

Instead of having fraternities and sororities like many universities, Graceland has residential social organizations called "Houses."

Graceland has eight men's Houses: Agape, Cheville, Closson, Faunce, Orion, Powell, Stewart Manor, and Tiona; and eight women's Houses: Amici, Aponivi, Hanthorne, Khiyah, Paloma, Sariah, Shalom, and Solah.

In addition to their student government duties, House Council members plan social activities called "functions".

Between Graceland student government and the campus clubs and organizations, over 250 official leadership positions are available.

[19] With the completion of the Shaw Center expansion in fall 2012, Graceland has placed a renewed emphasis on the performing arts.

In 2012, Graceland brought in Canadian trumpeter Jens Lindemann, trombone player Wycliffe Gordon, the Fountain City Brass Band, vocalist Shannon Gaye, actor Arliss Howard, who directed Graceland's homecoming play,[21] the Vienna Boys Choir, and Owen/Cox Dance group.

Houses spend weeks preparing props, themes, and storylines for the competition, then perform their routines before a panel of judges.

Before 2012, the movie played on Wednesdays; the day was changed in fall 2012 to accommodate Graceland student government meetings.

Graceland competes in 22 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, track & field (indoor and outdoor), volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, dance and rodeo.