UnisHub University Compass

Principia College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Principia College

Set above the Mississippi River, Principia College has a reputation for close, discussion-driven learning across the humanities, sciences, and the arts. Students work with faculty in labs and studios, hone writing and research, and find support through the library, tutoring, advising, and wellness. Facilities include studios and labs, fitness spaces, and quiet nooks for focused study.

Campus life leans outdoors and community centered. Bluff hikes, pickup games, student theater and music, service projects, and casual gatherings keep the calendar full. The culture is known for reflection and respect, with roots in Christian Science and traditions that bring people together. Career prep builds through internships and alumni mentoring, while Elsah offers calm and nearby St. Louis opens doors to arts and regional employers.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
1 Maybeck Place, Elsah, Illinois, 62028, USA
Unit ID
148016

Academic & Institutional

Control
Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation
HLC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Campus Setting
Located in a fringe rural area (within 5 miles of urban area)
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate - Arts & Sciences
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$33,280
Tuition $32,250 + Fee $1,030
Out-of-State
$33,280
Tuition $32,250 + Fee $1,030
Student Profile
Total Students 338
Undergraduate 337
Graduate/Other 1
Male: 202 Female: 136
Applications
Total Applicants 268
Admitted 119
Enrolled 84
Acceptance: 44.4% Yield: 70.6%
Staff
Total Staff 301
Full-time 285
Part-time 16
Full-time: 94.7% Part-time: 5.3%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Principia College offers 27 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 71 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (4 programs, 10 graduates), Social Sciences (3 programs, 9 graduates), Business (3 programs, 9 graduates), Communication (1 programs, 7 graduates) and Education (1 programs, 7 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Arts (4 programs, 10 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Theatre Arts 3
Bachelor's
50.0501
Studio Arts, General 3
Bachelor's
50.0702
Music 2
Bachelor's
50.0901
Music Technology 2
Bachelor's
50.0913
Social Sciences (3 programs, 9 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Economics 5
Bachelor's
45.0601
Sociology and Anthropology 3
Bachelor's
45.1301
Political Science and Government 1
Bachelor's
45.1001
Business (3 programs, 9 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 6
Bachelor's
52.0201
Entrepreneurship Studies 2
Bachelor's
52.0701
Marketing Management 1
Bachelor's
52.1401
Communication (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Mass Communication and Media Studies 7
Bachelor's
09.0102
Education (1 programs, 7 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Education 7
Bachelor's
13.0101
English (2 programs, 6 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Creative Writing 5
Bachelor's
23.1302
English Language and Literature 1
Bachelor's
23.0101
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 5 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Environmental Biology 5
Bachelor's
26.1305
Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 4 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Global Studies 2
Bachelor's
30.2001
Sustainability Studies 2
Bachelor's
30.3301
Physical Sciences (2 programs, 4 graduates)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Chemistry 2
Bachelor's
40.0501
Physics 2
Bachelor's
40.0801
Computer & IT (1 programs, 2 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Computer Science 2
Bachelor's
11.0701

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Principia College.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1040 - 1250
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 510 - 640
Median: 550
Math 530 - 610
Median: 570
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
19 - 23
25th-75th percentile
English 16 - 23
Median: 21
Math 16 - 22
Median: 18

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$48,650
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$48,650
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$33,280
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$33,280
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,370 (on) / $10,000 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$1,000
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$1,000
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

19%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$32,096
Avg. Loan
$7,500
Avg. Federal Loan
N/A
Additional
Students with Any Grant
55
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
55
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
0
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$32,096
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

76%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
75%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
Median Salary After 6 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
N/A
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Principia College

How much does it cost to attend Principia College?

The annual tuition at Principia College is $33,280 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $48,650 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,370 (on) / $10,000 (off) and books and supplies $1,000.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Principia College offer?

Principia College offers 27 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
  • Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (3 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Principia College?

Principia College has an 44.4% acceptance rate and a 70.6% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 268
  • Students admitted: 119
  • Students enrolled: 84

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Principia College?

Principia College provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $32,096 and average loans of $7,500.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Institutional grants: $32,096

The university supports 55 students with grants and 55 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

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