Earlham College: 73.2% Acceptance Rate

73.2%Acceptance

$51,840Tuition

612Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,797Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Friends

About Earlham College

Earlham College builds on 175 years of Quaker tradition to create one of the country's most socially conscious liberal arts environments. The college enrolls 612 students in Richmond, Indiana, where peace studies and social justice aren't just academic subjects but lived values. Notable graduates include former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Dennis Kucinich, both known for their progressive advocacy.

Students pay an average net price of $24,516 after financial aid, less than the $51,840 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $50,797 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,488 manageable with monthly payments around $249. The 91.2% employment rate suggests Earlham's values-based education translates well to career success.

The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in this tight-knit community. About 76% of students come from out of state, creating a diverse mix despite the small-town Indiana setting. The Hustlin' Quakers compete in 19 Division III sports with 246 student-athletes. With a 67.9% six-year graduation rate and 79.8% retention rate, Earlham works best for students who thrive in intimate academic environments focused on making a difference in the world.

Academics & Faculty

This Quaker liberal arts college builds its academics around peace studies, social justice, and global engagement. With just 612 students and a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know every student personally and create intimate seminar-style classes. The college excels in psychology, international studies, and education, drawing on its historic commitment to human rights and conflict resolution. About 72% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the close mentoring relationships that help students navigate challenging coursework. Earlham's consensus-based decision making, rooted in Quaker tradition, shapes everything from campus governance to classroom discussions, preparing graduates for careers in social work, education, and nonprofit leadership.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 92.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 71.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.9%
Retention Rate: 79.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,797
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

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Campus Life

Richmond sits about 70 miles east of Indianapolis, giving students access to a mid-sized city without urban distractions. With housing capacity for 976 students and total enrollment of just 612, nearly every student can live on campus if they choose. The small-town Indiana setting means you'll definitely need a winter coat for snowy February days, but spring and fall offer perfect weather for ultimate frisbee on the quad.

The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name by the second week. Quaker values shape daily interactions, with consensus-building and social justice discussions spilling from classrooms into dining halls. With only 246 students playing varsity sports across 19 teams, the Hustlin' Quakers games draw surprisingly passionate crowds for Division III athletics. Weekends often center around campus programming since Richmond's entertainment options are limited. Students frequently organize volunteer trips to nearby cities or participate in the college's well-known peace and social justice initiatives. The Quaker emphasis on equality means traditional Greek life doesn't exist, creating a more inclusive social atmosphere.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 976 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1847

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	3	3
Fondling	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–35°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.7"
Annual Snowfall: 15.6"

Student Demographics

Earlham draws students from across the country, with 76% coming from outside Indiana. The college's Quaker heritage and social justice mission attracts students committed to peace studies and community engagement. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%, reflecting strong programs in education and social work. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to economic diversity. The student body is 62% white with growing representation from Black and Hispanic communities. These demographics align with Earlham's values of inclusion and its reputation as a progressive liberal arts institution.

Men: 46.9%
Women: 53.1%
White: 62.1%
Black: 7.0%
Hispanic: 7.7%
Asian: 2.9%
In-State Students: 23.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.0%

Location

Richmond sits in eastern Indiana near the Ohio border, about 70 miles from both Indianapolis and Cincinnati. The town of 35,000 residents has a distinctly Midwestern character with tree-lined streets and historic architecture. Earlham's 800-acre campus creates a true college town atmosphere in this quiet community. Only 23.81% of students come from Indiana, drawing the majority from across the country to experience small-town college life. The rural setting provides space for reflection and close community bonds that align with the school's Quaker heritage. Richmond's proximity to major cities offers internship and cultural opportunities while maintaining its peaceful, contemplative environment. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Earlham College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Richmond, Indiana 47374-4095

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,797
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,038
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 78.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $249/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,488

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Earlham College?

Earlham admits 73% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130 and 1380 on the SAT. This Quaker institution values character and social consciousness alongside academic achievement in its admissions process.

How much does Earlham College cost after financial aid?

Despite a sticker price of $66,033, the average net price drops to $24,516 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,306 on average. The college's commitment to accessibility reflects its Quaker values of equality and community service.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Earlham College?

Earlham maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with just 612 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships that are central to the Quaker educational philosophy. The small classes foster the collaborative learning and consensus-building that Quakers prize.

What are employment outcomes like for Earlham College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91% employment rate and earn a median of $50,797 ten years after graduation. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's focus on deep learning over quick completion. Many alumni pursue careers in social justice, education, and nonprofit work, staying true to Quaker principles.

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

The campus sits in Richmond, Indiana, a small town setting that houses 976 students on campus. With 246 student-athletes competing in 19 Division III sports as the Hustlin' Quakers, the college balances academics with community involvement. The close-knit environment reflects traditional Quaker values of simplicity and fellowship.

What makes Earlham College unique among liberal arts schools?

Founded in 1847 by the Religious Society of Friends, Earlham remains one of the few Quaker colleges in America. The college is well-known for its peace studies program and commitment to social justice activism. Students participate in consensus-based decision making and are encouraged to live out Quaker testimonies of peace, integrity, and equality.