Established in May 1985, Alagappa University came into existence under the Act of Government of Tamil Nadu. Around 1.12 Lakh students are enrolled in their Regular, Distance & Open School and Part-Time Courses. The university is expanding as a multi-disciplinary organisation with 44 Departments, 9 Centres and 46 affiliated colleges in the districts of Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram. Alagappa University has also stretched its boundaries to Kilakarai and Paramakudi.

An Autonomous College and another Alagappa University Model Constituent College of Arts and Science are established in Kilakarai and Paramakudi respectively. Successfully retained its position among the top-100 B-Schools in India with impeccable educational programs such as - MBA, M.Phil and Ph. D. The university has collaborated internationally with universities in the U.S.A, UK, Australia, Singapore, China, Malaysia and South Korea. Under the able leadership of Dr. RM. Alagappa Chettiar the university also launched online courses during the 1950s. Their curriculum is spread across 12 online UG and PG courses.