About Elizabethtown College
Students pay an average net price of $26,198 after financial aid, less than the $50,896 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $62,399 ten years after graduation, making the typical $27,000 in student debt manageable with monthly payments around $286. The 96.5% employment rate shows employers value what Etown graduates bring to the workforce.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates genuine mentorship opportunities that larger schools cannot match. Women make up 58.79% of the student body, and 68.40% come from Pennsylvania. The Blue Jays compete in 20 Division III sports with 449 student-athletes participating. The 84.16% retention rate reflects students who find their fit here, though the 77.10% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish. This is a place where students who value community service and personal attention can thrive.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 44.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 76.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.1%
- Retention Rate
- 84.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,399
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $75,204 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,307 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $62,508 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,386 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,901 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $46,673 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,441 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $39,592 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
Campus Life
Women make up 59% of the student body, creating a collaborative rather than competitive academic environment. The Blue Jays field 20 Division III sports teams with 449 total athletes, meaning one in four students competes varsally. Weekend activities center around the tight-knit campus community since 68% of students come from Pennsylvania. The Church of the Brethren heritage emphasizes service and peace studies, drawing students who volunteer at local nonprofits and participate in Alternative Spring Break trips. Study abroad programs and internships become shared experiences that bond graduating classes together.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,501 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1899
Campus Safety (2023)
20 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 83.0%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 6.2%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 68.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.2%
Location
- Address
- Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 17022-2298
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,399
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,515
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,800
- 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 Elizabethtown College?
Elizabethtown College accepts 81% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070 and 1280 on the SAT. This Brethren-affiliated liberal arts college draws students interested in its strong occupational therapy and peace studies programs.
How much does Elizabethtown College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,198 after aid, despite the $50,896 total cost of attendance. About 67% of students take federal loans with a median debt of $27,000 upon graduation. The college offers institutional grants averaging $21,405 to nearly a quarter of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Elizabethtown College?
The student-faculty ratio is 12:1 among the 1,815 enrolled students. This small liberal arts environment supports the college's emphasis on close mentoring relationships. The 77% six-year graduation rate reflects the personalized attention students receive in this intimate academic setting.
What do graduates of Elizabethtown College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $62,399 ten years after graduation with a 96.5% employment rate. The strong career outcomes reflect the college's practical programs, particularly in health sciences and occupational therapy. Monthly loan payments average $286 with a 79% loan repayment rate.
Where is Elizabethtown College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, with housing for 1,501 students. About 68% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a close-knit community feel. The Blue Jays compete in 20 NCAA Division III sports with 449 student-athletes participating.
What makes Elizabethtown College's peace studies program unique?
The college's Church of the Brethren heritage emphasizes peacemaking and social justice through its well-known peace studies program. This distinctive focus shapes campus culture and attracts students committed to conflict resolution and community service. The 58% female enrollment reflects the college's appeal to students interested in helping professions and social change.
