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Principia College

Principia College

Elsah, IL · Rural · 339 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
—
Average net priceYour net price
By household income — tap a bar
75%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
69% typical
—
Earnings 10 years on
$58,391 typical
Open admission
Acceptance rate
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Situated on scenic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Principia College is a private liberal arts institution uniquely designed for Christian Scientists that is globally renowned for its National Historic Landmark campus designed by architect Bernard Maybeck. Academically, the college is best known for its highly personalized programs in sustainability, business administration, and global studies, all of which are enhanced by an exceptionally active study abroad program where nearly nearly virtually every student travels internationally. The student experience is defined by a tight-knit, substance-free campus culture that emphasizes character development, whole-person growth, and active participation in NCAA Division III athletics and student-run house systems.


Wikipedia:Principia College is a private liberal arts college in Elsah, Illinois. It was founded in 1912 by Mary Kimball Morgan with the purpose of "serving the Cause of Christian Science." Morgan wrote in her book Education at the Principia that, "Although the College is not affiliated with the Christian Science Church, the practice of Christian Science is the cornerstone of campus life." Principia no longer requires its students or their parents to be students of Christian Science or Christian Science Church members. Presently, its student body represents 26 countries and a variety of faith backgrounds.

Location
Elsah, IL, 62028-9799 · Rural campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
STL · St. Louis
14 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$34,680
Housing & food (on campus)$13,910
Books & supplies$1,000
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$34,680
Housing & food (on campus)$13,910
Books & supplies$1,000
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
75%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
54%
Back for yr 2
83%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
80% graduated · 20% left or unknown · none transferred or still enrolled
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — arts & sciences: 69% graduate within 6 yrs.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
ACT midpoint
25

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Essay prompts

If Principia College asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 59%Women 41%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
6 : 1
Pell grant
0%
Part-time
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
35%
Hispanic
5%
Black
11%
Asian
1%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
41%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III without football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions
Education, General18
Communication and Media Studies9
Economics8
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology5
Fine and Studio Arts5
Natural Resources Conservation and Research4
Computer Science4
Sustainability Studies4
Business Administration, Management and Operations4
History4
Engineering Science3
International/Globalization Studies3
Political Science and Government3
Music3
Finance and Financial Management Services3
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics2
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$593M
Full-time faculty
81%
Faculty salary
$9,209/mo
Teaching spend
$32,709
per student
Federal loans
0%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Principia College is the right fit for you?

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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