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69.1%Acceptance
$40,556Tuition
1,635Students
56%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,504Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Adrian College

Adrian College builds strong communities around both academics and athletics in small-town Michigan. This United Methodist liberal arts college enrolls 1,635 students in a town-distant setting where personal attention defines the experience. The school has gained recognition for its impressive athletic participation, with nearly half of all students competing in varsity sports.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $21,504 after aid, roughly half the sticker price of $40,556. Graduates earn a median of $55,504 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The employment rate reaches 96.6%, suggesting strong job placement support.

Athletics dominates campus culture in ways few colleges can match. With 797 total athletes across 28 varsity sports, Adrian fields one of the most full NCAA Division III programs in the country. The student body is 69.7% from Michigan, creating a tight-knit feel where Bulldogs pride runs deep. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, while the 60% retention rate suggests the close community atmosphere works well for those who find their fit.

Academics & Faculty

Adrian College is a small liberal arts college where students explore broad academic disciplines rather than narrow specializations. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide personalized attention in small classes. However, only 53% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the challenges some face in this intimate but demanding environment. The college has built a strong reputation for its criminal justice program, which attracts students interested in law enforcement careers. Business and education programs also draw significant enrollment. With 1,635 total students, academic departments remain small enough for students to work closely with faculty on research projects and independent studies.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
49.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
53.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
56.0%
Retention Rate
60.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,504
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Marketing. Bachelor $42,188
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $42,123
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $38,829
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Bachelor $37,671
Biology, General. Bachelor $37,208
Social Work. Bachelor $32,382
Health and Physical Education/Fitness. Bachelor $30,554
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $30,228

View all 103 programs →

Campus Life

Adrian College sits in a small Michigan town about 30 miles from Toledo and 70 miles from Detroit. The campus houses roughly 1,000 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where most undergraduates live on campus. You'll need heavy winter coats for Michigan's snowy months, which stretch from November through March.

Nearly half the student body participates in varsity athletics, with 797 athletes competing across 28 sports. This makes Adrian one of the most athletically active campuses in Division III. The Bulldogs dominate weekend conversations, whether students are cheering at football games or participating themselves. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but it also means fewer anonymity options in a school of just 1,635 students.

Small-town Adrian offers limited off-campus entertainment, so campus life revolves around residence halls, athletic events, and student organizations. The Methodist heritage creates a welcoming but not overly religious atmosphere. Most social activities happen on campus, from intramural sports to residence hall programming.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
1,664 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 2 2 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 0 1 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
16°–30°F
July Avg
61°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
68.6"
Annual Snowfall
27.6"

Student Demographics

Adrian College draws heavily from Michigan, with about 70% of students staying close to home for this Methodist-affiliated liberal arts education. The student body tilts slightly male, reflecting the college's strong emphasis on athletics and business programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Adrian serves working-class families seeking affordable private education. The college attracts students who want small-town community feel with Division III sports opportunities. Most come from Michigan's smaller cities and rural areas, drawn by Adrian's reputation for hands-on learning and tight-knit campus culture.
Men
54.3%
Women
45.7%
White
61.7%
Black
6.5%
Hispanic
6.7%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
69.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.1%

Location

Adrian College sits in Adrian, Michigan, about 70 miles southwest of Detroit and 30 miles northwest of Toledo, Ohio. The campus enrolls 1,635 students in a classic small-town setting where the college serves as a major community anchor. Adrian's downtown area features tree-lined streets and historic buildings typical of southern Michigan towns. The surrounding region offers rolling farmland and small lakes, providing a quintessential Midwest college experience away from urban distractions. With 69.72% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Michigan's blend of agricultural landscapes and industrial heritage. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Adrian College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Adrian, Michigan 49221-2575
Herrick Tower Adrian College
Herrick Tower Adrian College
Herrick Chapel Adrian College
Herrick Chapel Adrian College
Shipman Library Adrian College
Shipman Library Adrian College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,504
Median Earnings (5 years)
$51,314
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$34,000
Loan Repayment Rate
61.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Adrian College?

Adrian College accepts 69% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts college. Students typically need around a 1050 SAT score or 21 ACT score to be competitive. The school draws primarily from Michigan, with about 70% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Adrian College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Adrian College is $21,504 after financial aid, lower than the sticker price of $55,080. About 35% of students receive institutional grants averaging $31,555. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $15,688 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Adrian College?

Adrian College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,635 students. This small liberal arts college environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships. The school operates on a semester calendar system and emphasizes hands-on learning experiences.

What are the career outcomes for Adrian College graduates?

Adrian College graduates earn a median salary of $55,504 ten years after graduation, with a 97% employment rate. About 56% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for small private colleges. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $286.

Where is Adrian College located and what is campus life like?

Adrian College sits in the small town of Adrian, Michigan, creating a tight-knit campus community. The college has housing capacity for 1,664 students, more than its total enrollment of 1,635. About 60% of students return for their sophomore year, reflecting the close community bonds formed on campus.

Does Adrian College have strong athletics programs?

Adrian College fields 28 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III as the Bulldogs. Nearly half the student body participates in athletics, with 797 total athletes out of 1,635 students. The college competes in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and emphasizes the student-athlete experience without athletic scholarships.