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80.0%Acceptance
$27,804Tuition
273Students
46%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,457Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Other (not classified)

About Bryn Athyn College of the New Church

This tiny spiritual college serves just 273 students in suburban Philadelphia. Bryn Athyn College grew from the New Church movement founded by Emanuel Swedenborg's teachings. The school emphasizes small classes with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. Students come mostly from Pennsylvania, with 62% hailing from in-state.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average of $19,600 after aid, well below the sticker price of $42,655. Recent graduates earn a median of $40,457 ten years out, which barely covers typical student loan payments of $236 monthly. The 46% graduation rate within six years suggests many students struggle to finish. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need on campus.

The trimester calendar system accelerates learning throughout the year. With 11 varsity sports and 138 total athletes, nearly half the student body competes in NCAA Division III athletics. The 66% retention rate means one in three freshmen don't return for sophomore year. However, those who do graduate find work easily, with a 95% employment rate after leaving school.

Academics & Faculty

This liberal arts college serves students in the Swedenborgian tradition with an intimate academic environment. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide extensive mentoring. However, the 48% four-year graduation rate suggests students sometimes need extra time to complete degrees. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary studies rooted in New Church philosophy, blending traditional liberal arts with spiritual inquiry. Small class sizes foster deep discussions about theology, philosophy, and the humanities. Students often take courses that integrate Swedenborg's teachings with subjects like psychology, education, and natural sciences. The trimester calendar system allows for intensive focus on fewer courses each term.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
68.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
47.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
46.3%
Retention Rate
65.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,457
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Campus life revolves around a tight-knit community where the 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With only 273 students total, Bryn Athyn feels more like an extended family than a typical college. The campus sits in suburban Philadelphia, about 20 minutes north of the city center, giving students access to urban internships and cultural activities while maintaining a quiet, residential atmosphere.

Pennsylvania winters require a good coat and boots, while springs and falls offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities on the wooded campus. Housing capacity accommodates 299 students, meaning most undergraduates live on campus and form close bonds with classmates. The college's connection to the New Church (Swedenborgian faith) shapes campus culture, though students of all backgrounds attend. Weekend activities often center around the small community, with students gathering for study groups, pickup sports among the 138 total athletes, or trips into Philadelphia for concerts and museums. The trimester calendar system creates an intensive academic pace that brings students together around shared challenges.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
299 beds
Calendar System
Trimester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
26°–41°F
July Avg
69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
45.0"
Annual Snowfall
19.9"

Student Demographics

Bryn Athyn draws students who connect with its unique Swedenborgian foundation and intimate learning environment. The student body of 273 reflects strong regional appeal, with 62% coming from Pennsylvania. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. The school attracts a racially diverse community, with 41% students of color finding home in its close-knit setting. The balanced gender split mirrors the liberal arts tradition. Students here value spiritual exploration alongside academic growth in an environment where the 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention.
Men
51.3%
Women
48.7%
White
59.7%
Black
15.8%
Hispanic
6.2%
Asian
4.0%
In-State Students
62.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
46.3%

Location

Bryn Athyn College sits in suburban Philadelphia, about 20 miles northeast of downtown. The campus occupies 130 acres in Montgomery County, where the New Church community established itself over a century ago. Students live in a quiet residential area that blends small-town charm with easy access to one of America's major metropolitan regions. The trimester calendar system allows flexibility for internships and study abroad programs in nearby Philadelphia. With 62.26% of students coming from Pennsylvania, most are familiar with the region's mix of historic sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. The college's setting provides both the intimacy of a small community and proximity to urban opportunities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Bryn Athyn College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania 19009-0717

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,457
Median Earnings (5 years)
$38,029
Loan Repayment Rate
60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$236/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bryn Athyn College of the New Church?

Bryn Athyn College accepts 79.97% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The average SAT score is 1117, with accepted students typically scoring between 980 and 1253. This small Swedenborgian college prioritizes fit over test scores alone.

How much does Bryn Athyn College of the New Church cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,600 annually after aid, less than the $42,655 sticker price. About 46% of students receive financial assistance, and graduates typically leave with $22,250 in debt. Low-income families often pay just $13,261 per year.

What are academics like at Bryn Athyn College of the New Church?

The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio among its 273 students, ensuring personalized attention. Students follow a trimester calendar system that allows for intensive study periods. The small size creates tight-knit learning communities focused on liberal arts education.

What happens to graduates of Bryn Athyn College of the New Church?

Only 46.30% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages. However, 95.4% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $40,457 ten years after graduation. The 60.23% loan repayment rate suggests some financial challenges post-graduation.

Where is Bryn Athyn College of the New Church located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, with housing for 299 students in a community of just 273 total enrollment. About 62% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a regional feel. The college offers 11 varsity sports with 138 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III.

What makes Bryn Athyn College of the New Church unique?

The college is affiliated with the New Church, a Swedenborgian Christian denomination that emphasizes spiritual growth and service. This religious foundation shapes campus culture and curriculum at one of the smallest colleges in America. The institution balances traditional liberal arts with distinctive theological perspectives.