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65.9%Acceptance
$58,554Tuition
898Students
67%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$53,260Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Beloit College

Beloit College has built a reputation for academic innovation since 1846, particularly through its anthropology program that helped establish the field in American higher education. The 898 students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables the close mentoring relationships this liberal arts college is known for. Notable graduates include explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who inspired the Indiana Jones character, and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin.

Students pay an average net price of $21,924 after financial aid, making this expensive education surprisingly affordable for most families. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,637 annually. Graduates earn a median of $53,260 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,738. The loan repayment rate of 78.20% suggests most alumni can manage their monthly payments of $273.

The Buccaneers compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 319 total athletes, creating a campus where nearly one in three students plays varsity athletics. The 69.36% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor, though 86.21% of students return for their sophomore year. Three-quarters of students come from outside Wisconsin, bringing diverse perspectives to this small-city campus.

Academics & Faculty

Beloit College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad intellectual territory before specializing. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name and research interests. With 69% of students graduating in four years, the college demonstrates strong academic support systems. Beloit gained national recognition for its anthropology program, which connects fieldwork with theoretical study. The college pioneered modern approaches to liberal arts education, including its signature First-Year Initiatives program that integrates academics with real-world problem solving. Students here engage in close mentorship relationships that often extend beyond graduation, reflecting the college's commitment to personalized education over lecture-hall anonymity.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
78.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
69.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
67.2%
Retention Rate
86.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,260
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Chemistry. Bachelor $40,821
Business/Managerial Economics. Bachelor $38,289
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. Bachelor $37,208
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. Bachelor $32,382
Education, General. Bachelor $30,926
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other. Bachelor $29,685
Psychology, General. Bachelor $28,133
International Relations and National Security Studies. Bachelor $26,933
History. Bachelor $26,353
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $25,658

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Campus Life

Students at Beloit walk between classes on a compact campus where nearly every dormitory bed is filled, with housing capacity at 1,148 for just 898 students. The college sits 50 miles northwest of Rockford and 90 miles from both Milwaukee and Madison, putting big-city internships within reach but keeping the focus on campus life. Wisconsin winters demand serious gear, with snow covering the ground from December through March.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Beloit's famous "Don't throw things off the tower" tradition stems from students once launching everything from pianos to Volkswagens from the campus's iconic Middle College tower. With 319 students competing in 14 varsity sports, Buccaneers athletics draw weekend crowds to Flood Arena. The college's anthropology program attracts students who dig through the campus archaeology lab, while the modern curriculum lets undergraduates design their own majors. Friday nights often center around themed house parties, with students gathering in the residence halls that house most of the student body.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,148 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1846

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 0 0 1
Domestic Violence 2 2 0 0
Stalking 3 0 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
12°–28°F
July Avg
62°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
36.3"
Annual Snowfall
31.9"

Student Demographics

Beloit draws adventurous students from across the country, with three-quarters coming from outside Wisconsin. The college attracts a diverse mix, with half the student body identifying as students of color. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making liberal arts education accessible. The roughly even gender split mirrors Beloit's balanced approach to the humanities and sciences. Students here tend to be intellectually curious types who thrive in small seminars and want close mentoring from professors. The 898 total enrollment creates an intimate community where everyone knows each other.
Men
48.6%
Women
51.5%
White
50.3%
Black
8.5%
Hispanic
17.7%
Asian
2.5%
In-State Students
25.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.5%

Location

Beloit College sits in Beloit, Wisconsin, about 90 miles northwest of Chicago and 50 miles south of Madison. The campus enrolls 898 students in a small city of roughly 37,000 residents along the Rock River. This college town straddles the Wisconsin-Illinois border, giving students easy access to both states. The area blends Midwest industrial history with college culture, featuring historic downtown architecture and riverfront parks. Beloit's location in the rolling hills of southern Wisconsin provides a classic small-town college experience while maintaining connections to major urban centers. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Beloit College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Beloit, Wisconsin 53511-5595
JOHNSON 20150422 469resize
JOHNSON 20150422 469resize

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$53,260
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,599
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,200
Loan Repayment Rate
78.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$273/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,738

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Beloit College?

Beloit College accepts 65.86% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190 and 1360 on the SAT. This liberal arts college values fit over pure stats, looking for students who will thrive in its modern, discussion-based environment.

How much does Beloit College cost after financial aid?

While the sticker price reaches $70,428, the average net price drops to $21,924 after aid. About 32% of students receive institutional grants averaging $46,725. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,637 on average.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Beloit College?

Beloit maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 898 total students. The college is famous for its close mentoring relationships and discussion-based classes. Students work directly with professors on research projects starting in their first year.

What are the career outcomes for Beloit College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $53,260 ten years after graduation with 92% finding employment. The loan repayment rate stands at 78.20% with median debt of $25,738. Beloit alumni include explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who inspired the Indiana Jones character.

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

The campus sits in small-city Beloit, Wisconsin, near the Illinois border. With housing for 1,148 students and 319 student athletes competing in 14 varsity sports, campus life centers around tight-knit communities. The Buccaneers compete in NCAA Division III without athletic scholarships.

What makes Beloit College's anthropology program special?

Beloit houses one of the nation's top undergraduate anthropology programs with its own museum. The college pioneered experiential learning in anthropology, with students conducting fieldwork and managing museum collections. This hands-on approach extends across Beloit's modern curriculum that breaks traditional academic boundaries.