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Principia College

Principia College

Elsah, IL · Rural · 339 students
Website Common App Scorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
Not reported
Average net priceYour net price
75%
Graduation rate
69% typical
Not reported
Earnings 10 years on
Open admission
Acceptance rate
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Perched on scenic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Principia College is a private liberal arts institution uniquely rooted in the practice and principles of Christian Science. The college is recognized for its strong undergraduate programs in business administration, educational studies, biology, and global studies, all delivered through small classes with an emphasis on experiential learning. Campus life centers on a tight-knit, values-driven community that prioritizes moral and spiritual growth alongside NCAA Division III athletics and extensive faculty-led study abroad programs. Notably, the entire 2,600-acre campus is a designated National Historic Landmark, celebrated for its distinctive architecture designed by master architect Bernard Maybeck.

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
Open in Google Maps
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These figures are federal data and may be out of date.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
Grants from the school
90% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $30,402
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
75%
Within 4 yrs
54%
Back for yr 2
83%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting
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
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%
Where first-years come from
In state (IL)
10.1%
Out of state
69.6%
International
20.3%

Most out-of-state first-years from: MO 17 · CA 7 · TX 4 · AZ 3 · MA 2

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
  • 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?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search