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69.7%Acceptance
$54,960Tuition
1,209Students
67%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$62,069Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Allegheny College

Allegheny College requires every student to complete an interdisciplinary senior project that bridges two academic fields. This distinctive capstone reflects the school's commitment to liberal arts education that breaks down traditional departmental boundaries. The college has produced notable leaders including President William McKinley and investigative journalist Ida Tarbell. With 1,209 students in the small town of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Allegheny offers an intimate academic environment where close faculty relationships drive learning.

The sticker price of $54,960 looks intimidating, but most families pay far less. The average net price drops to $21,900 after aid, making this quality education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $62,069 ten years out, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a reasonable investment given the earning potential.

Small classes define the Allegheny experience, with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention. The Gators field 19 varsity sports in Division III, with 451 student-athletes representing over one-third of the campus. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor, while the 84% retention rate suggests students find their fit in this tight-knit community.

Academics & Faculty

Allegheny College operates as a liberal arts institution where every student must complete an interdisciplinary senior project combining two academic areas. This signature requirement reflects the college's commitment to connecting different fields of study. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, professors work closely with undergraduates on research and mentoring. The college's 67% four-year graduation rate shows that most students complete their degrees on schedule. Allegheny has historically produced notable graduates in politics and journalism, including President William McKinley and muckraking journalist Ida Tarbell. The small size of 1,209 students means classes stay intimate and professors know students by name. Liberal arts here emphasizes critical thinking across disciplines rather than narrow specialization.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
73.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
67.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
66.5%
Retention Rate
84.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$62,069
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Mathematics. Bachelor $43,314
Economics. Bachelor $41,087
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $37,363
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $33,993
Fine and Studio Arts. Bachelor $32,925
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. Bachelor $32,569
Neurobiology and Neurosciences. Bachelor $30,771
International Relations and National Security Studies. Bachelor $30,409
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $29,956
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Bachelor $28,816

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

Meadville sits 90 miles north of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania's snow belt, where students definitely need winter coats for the long, cold months. With housing capacity for 1,667 students and total enrollment of 1,209, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit community. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class.

Allegheny is famous for requiring every student to complete an interdisciplinary senior project combining two different academic areas. Students spend four years building toward this capstone experience that defines the college's academic culture. With 19 varsity sports and 451 total athletes, about 37% of students compete for the Gators in Division III athletics. The Presidents' Athletic Conference rivalries create weekend energy on this small campus.

Greek life and campus organizations fill social calendars in a town where entertainment options are limited. Students often head to Pittsburgh for bigger city experiences, but most weekends revolve around campus activities, athletic events, and house parties. The 84% retention rate reflects how students bond with this close community despite the rural setting.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
1,667 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1815

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 3 3 0 0
Fondling 2 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
18°–31°F
July Avg
61°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
85.5"
Annual Snowfall
99.0"

Student Demographics

Allegheny draws students who want close faculty relationships, with its 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio creating an intimate academic environment. The college attracts students from across the country, with 57% coming from out-of-state, reflecting its national reputation for liberal arts education. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making quality education accessible. The nearly even gender split reflects broad appeal across academic disciplines. Students here are typically drawn to the school's signature interdisciplinary approach, where every senior must complete a project combining two different fields of study.
Men
48.4%
Women
51.6%
White
69.6%
Black
8.0%
Hispanic
7.9%
Asian
2.9%
In-State Students
42.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.2%

Location

Allegheny College sits in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a town of about 13,000 people located 90 miles north of Pittsburgh and 40 miles south of Erie. The campus occupies 79 acres in this classic college town setting in northwestern Pennsylvania's rural landscape. Crawford County surrounds the college with farmland, forests, and small communities typical of the region's post-industrial economy. Meadville itself revolves around the college and a few local industries, giving students a tight-knit community feel where town and gown intersect regularly. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities with nearby state parks and lakes, though urban amenities require a drive to larger cities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Allegheny College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Meadville, Pennsylvania 16335-3902
Brooks side
Brooks side
Bentley Hall
Bentley Hall
Doane Hall of Chemistry and Envi Sci
Doane Hall of Chemistry and Envi Sci

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$62,069
Median Earnings (5 years)
$58,614
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,700
Loan Repayment Rate
78.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Allegheny College?

Allegheny College admits about 70% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Students typically need SAT scores around 1243 or ACT scores near 27 to be competitive. The college looks for students ready to tackle their signature interdisciplinary senior projects.

How much does Allegheny College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,900 annually after aid, well below the sticker price of $54,960. About 34% of students receive institutional grants averaging $42,599. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.

What makes Allegheny College's academics unique?

Every student must complete an interdisciplinary senior project combining two academic areas, reflecting the college's commitment to liberal arts education. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in this close-knit academic environment. The college maintains strong Methodist roots while serving students of all backgrounds.

What are job prospects like for Allegheny College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $62,069 ten years after graduation, with a 95% employment rate. About 67% of students graduate within four years, and 67% complete their degree within six years. Notable alumni include President William McKinley and investigative journalist Ida Tarbell.

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

The campus sits in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a small town setting with housing for 1,667 students. With 1,209 total students split roughly evenly between men and women, the community feels intimate and close-knit. The Gators compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 451 student athletes.

Does Allegheny College provide good value for students from different income levels?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,227 net annually, while those from families earning over $110,000 pay $28,466. Only 25% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating the college serves a mix of economic backgrounds. The 79% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can manage their debt effectively.