Oskaloosa College was a liberal arts college based out of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Work was begun on establishing the college in 1855, under the influence of Aaron Chatterson and was affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The college was incorporated in 1858, but classes were not held until 1861. Its first president was George T. Carpenter. In 1881, all but one of the faculty left the college to start a new school in Des Moines, Iowa, which would later become Drake University; they were also joined by 47 (out of 300) students. For a good portion of its history, the school endured severe financial hardship, which eventually led to its demise in 1898.