Alagappa University accredited with 'A' Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is located at Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu is accessible from Madurai and Tiruchirappalli Airports within two hours. The 440 acre green and lush campus houses all the academic activities. This University has emerged from the galaxy of institutions initially founded by the great philanthropist and educationist Dr. RM. Alagappa Chettiar.

Alagappa University was brought into existence by a Special Act of the Government of Tamil Nadu in May 1985 with the objective of fostering research, development and dissemination of knowledge in various branches of learning. Alagappa University is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. The University has 18 Departments, 5 Centres and 2 Constituent Colleges on its campus. 28 Affiliated Colleges located in the districts of Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram are part of the University.

The University offers education through Regular, Week-end, Distance and Collaborative modes. The Distance Education Directorate offers variety of programmes to the student community spread across the country and in selected foreign countries. Through all modes of education, the University caters to the needs of the student community of around 1,00,000.

As a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), as well as the member of the Association of Common Wealth Universities (ACU), it has rewarding relations with other academic institutions, research laboratories and industrial establishments that promise a spectacular feature.

The University is having International Collaborations with Universities / Institutions of Higher Learning in countries like China, Malaysia, West Indies, U.S.A. and South Korea. New innovative programmes suitable are designed and offered at the University (for the foreign students). Many exchange programmes attract the attention of the teachers and students from abroad.

The University's motto is "Excellence in Action" and the University keeps before it the vision of excellence in all spheres of its action.