Principia College

School Overview

Principia College is located in Elsah, IL, 62028, set within a rural environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #63 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

With an acceptance rate of 43%, Principia College offers a realistic pathway for students who have maintained a consistent academic record throughout high school. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 1060-1250 and ACT scores of 21-26. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.6.

With just 339 undergraduates, Principia College provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 100% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 55%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Principia College include Visual and Performing Arts (14% of students), Social Sciences (13% of students), and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (13% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $35,930 per year. Room and board adds approximately $14,360. The school awards an average need-based aid package of $30,402, substantially lowering the actual cost for qualifying families. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Principia College's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Principia College combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Principia College is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.