Franklin Pierce University is a small, private, regionally-accredited university in rural Rindge, New Hampshire, founded in 1962, combining a liberal arts foundation with coursework for professional preparation. The institutional mission focuses on preparing citizens and leaders of conscience for a new century who make significant contributions to their professions and communities whether their aspirations are global or local. The university has an enrollment of 1,500 students, and is located a few miles from Mount Monadnock, overlooking Pearly Pond. The area was bought in 1854 by sea captain Asa Brewer. Rindge tradition has it that the estate was a stop in the Underground Railroad. In the past the land has also been owned by a wealthy horse enthusiast, the Boy Scouts of America, and silent film actress Alma Monaco. The campus today covers approximately 1,200 acres (4.9 km). Franklin Pierce University gained university status in 2007 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In 2009, Franklin Pierce University was ranked on "Forbes List of America's Top Colleges" in the United States.