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56.3%Acceptance
$64,230Tuition
2,209Students
83%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$71,517Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Gettysburg College

Gettysburg College sits on one of America's most famous battlefields, where 2,209 students study liberal arts amid Civil War history. The campus transforms the site of Lincoln's famous address into a living classroom for serious academic work. Notable graduates include children's author Jerry Spinelli and former congresswoman Gabby Giffords. Students benefit from small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio in this Pennsylvania town setting.

The sticker price hits $80,760 annually, but most families pay far less through financial aid. The average net price drops to $30,086 after assistance, though only 21% of students receive Pell Grants. Graduates typically earn $71,517 ten years after leaving school, which helps justify the median debt load of $26,999. Monthly loan payments average $286, manageable given the strong employment outcomes.

This NCAA Division III school fields 20 varsity teams called the Bullets, with 600 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 82% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's academic rigor and student support. Nearly 90% of students return for sophomore year, suggesting most find their footing quickly. The student body draws primarily from out-of-state, with only 26% coming from Pennsylvania.

Academics & Faculty

Gettysburg College delivers a classic liberal arts education where students explore diverse subjects before specializing. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide personalized mentoring. With an 82.7% six-year graduation rate, most students successfully complete their degrees. The college sits on the historic Gettysburg battlefield, making it a top destination for Civil War history and American studies. Political science thrives here thanks to the location's significance in American democracy. The liberal arts approach encourages critical thinking across disciplines rather than narrow technical training. Students often double major or combine unexpected fields like psychology and theater.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
81.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
82.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
82.7%
Retention Rate
89.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$71,517
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Economics. Bachelor $55,964
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $47,595
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $39,369
Psychology, General. Bachelor $36,560
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $34,348
Biology, General. Bachelor $32,391
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. Bachelor $31,305
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. Bachelor $31,305
History. Bachelor $28,598
Philosophy. Bachelor $26,353

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

This small Pennsylvania town sits 35 miles south of Harrisburg, where 2,209 students navigate winters that demand heavy coats and springs perfect for campus quad gatherings. Nearly all students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between the red-brick buildings that dot the 220-acre campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent from their seminars.

Weekends revolve around the historic battlefield that surrounds campus, where students jog past Civil War monuments or give tours to visiting families. The Bullets compete in 20 Division III sports, drawing crowds to Musselman Stadium for football games. Greek life claims about 35% of students, hosting parties in fraternity houses near campus. The college's location on hallowed ground shapes campus culture - students develop an appreciation for history whether they're history majors or not. Popular weekend trips include Philadelphia (two hours southeast) or Washington D.C. (90 minutes south) when small-town life feels limiting.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
2,263 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1832

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 10 8 1 0
Domestic Violence 5 3 1 0
Dating Violence 3 3 1 0
Stalking 6 1 0 0
Arson 3 3 0 0
Aggravated Assault 4 1 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–38°F
July Avg
62°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
43.1"
Annual Snowfall
21.5"

Student Demographics

Gettysburg draws three-quarters of its students from out-of-state, reflecting its national reputation as a strong liberal arts college. The student body of 2,209 is evenly split between men and women, typical for a well-rounded liberal arts education. About one-fifth receive Pell Grants, indicating moderate socioeconomic diversity despite the hefty $64,230 sticker price. The campus remains predominantly white, though Hispanic enrollment reflects growing diversity efforts. Students are drawn by the college's unique position on a historic battlefield and its strong academic reputation, creating a community that values both intellectual rigor and historical significance.
Men
48.9%
Women
51.1%
White
63.9%
Black
5.0%
Hispanic
11.1%
Asian
2.7%
In-State Students
26.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.0%

Location

Gettysburg sits in south-central Pennsylvania, about 80 miles from both Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. The college occupies 200 acres directly adjacent to the famous Civil War battlefield where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. This small town of 7,500 residents becomes a living history classroom for students. The campus blends seamlessly with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. About 74% of students come from out of state, drawn to this unique setting where academic buildings stand steps away from monuments and memorials. The town-fringe location offers quiet study environments while remaining accessible to major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Gettysburg College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
Facade of the 1889 Glatfelter Hall at Gettysburg College
Facade of the 1889 Glatfelter Hall at Gettysburg College
Gettysburg College 2012 5
Gettysburg College 2012 5
Gettysburg College 2012 6
Gettysburg College 2012 6

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$71,517
Median Earnings (5 years)
$71,373
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$47,100
Loan Repayment Rate
89.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,999

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Gettysburg College?

Gettysburg College accepts 56.31% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1350-1440 on the SAT, reflecting the college's strong academic standards for this historic liberal arts institution.

How much does Gettysburg College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Gettysburg College is $30,086, lower than the sticker price of $80,760. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,666 on average, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $42,448 to help make this strong education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gettysburg College?

Gettysburg College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,209 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentorship and discussion-based learning, particularly in the college's well-known history and political science programs.

What are the career outcomes for Gettysburg College graduates?

Gettysburg College graduates earn a median salary of $71,517 ten years after graduation with an employment rate of 94.4%. The 82.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's strong support system and academic rigor that prepares students for success.

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

Gettysburg College sits in the historic town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the edge of the famous Civil War battlefield. With housing capacity for 2,263 students and 600 student-athletes competing in 20 Division III sports, the campus blends academic excellence with rich American history.

What makes Gettysburg College unique academically?

Gettysburg College leverages its location on the historic Gettysburg battlefield to offer unparalleled Civil War history programs and experiential learning. The college's 89.91% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with this unique blend of liberal arts education and hands-on historical study in one of America's most significant locations.