Athens State University, located in Athens, Alabama, USA, is a two-year upper level university. Athens State is the only two-year upper level university in the state of Alabama. Thirty-three different majors are offered to junior and senior students. Athens State University began as the Athens Female Academy in 1822. The Methodist Church took control of the institution in 1842, changing the name to the Athens Female Institute. In 1931 the name was changed again to Athens College and it became coeducational. In 1974 the state of Alabama took control and the college became known as Athens State College. Later, in 1998, Athens State College became Athens State University. The Athens State College Historic District was named to the National Register of Historic Places on February 14, 1985. It includes Founders Hall, which was built in 1842-1844. Founders Hall is individual listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage.