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91.8%Acceptance
$28,100Tuition
1,247Students
68%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,119Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Interdenominational

About Gordon College

Gordon College attracts students seeking a Christian liberal arts education in a close-knit community. With 1,247 students on its rural Massachusetts campus, the college emphasizes faith integration across all disciplines. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. Gordon has built its reputation on strong liberal arts programs, particularly in education, business, and the sciences. The college's interdenominational Christian identity shapes campus culture without being tied to a single denomination.

Students face a total cost of $41,550, but the average net price drops to $24,817 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $52,119 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $26,250 with monthly payments around $278. The loan repayment rate of 82.65% suggests most graduates manage their debt successfully. Only 21% of students receive Pell grants, indicating a largely middle-class student body.

The Fighting Scots compete in 24 Division III sports with 337 student-athletes. Women make up 58% of the student body, and 65% of students come from outside Massachusetts. The 68% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's supportive but academically demanding environment, while 97% of graduates find employment or continue their education.

Academics & Faculty

Gordon College operates as a Christian liberal arts college that emphasizes faith integration across all academic disciplines. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students by name and can provide personalized mentoring. With a 68% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on time despite the college's rigorous academic standards. Gordon is particularly known for its strong education and music programs, which have built solid reputations in New England. The college requires all students to take courses in theology and biblical studies, regardless of their major. Students appreciate the close-knit academic community where faith and learning intersect in meaningful ways.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
49.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
68.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
67.6%
Retention Rate
82.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,119
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $48,745
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $46,556
Economics. Bachelor $45,918
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $38,289
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $35,954
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $33,459
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. Bachelor $32,391
Psychology, General. Bachelor $31,038
Social Work. Bachelor $30,988
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $30,228

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

Gordon's rural Wenham campus sits 25 miles north of Boston, close enough for city trips but surrounded by New England forests and farmland. You'll need serious winter gear from December through March, when snow blankets the 450-acre campus. About 90% of Gordon's 1,247 students live in dorms, creating a tight-knit residential community where most people know each other.

The Christian liberal arts environment shapes daily rhythms. Chapel attendance isn't mandatory, but many students gather for weekly services and Bible studies. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent. Students often study in the A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel or hang out in the Ken Olsen Science Center between classes.

Weekends revolve around campus activities since Wenham is a small town. The Fighting Scots compete in 24 Division III sports, drawing decent crowds to games. Students also organize movie nights, concerts, and outdoor adventures. Boston beckons for shopping or Red Sox games, but many prefer staying on campus for community events and building the close friendships Gordon is known for.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
1,268 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1889

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 2 2 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
16°–35°F
July Avg
58°–79°F
Annual Precipitation
47.4"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Gordon College draws students from across New England and beyond, with nearly two-thirds coming from outside Massachusetts. The student body reflects the school's Christian liberal arts mission, attracting families who value faith-integrated education. Women make up 58% of enrollment, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education, psychology, and social work programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The diverse mix includes students from various ethnic backgrounds who share common values around faith and academic excellence.
Men
41.9%
Women
58.1%
White
60.8%
Black
5.5%
Hispanic
11.8%
Asian
3.1%
In-State Students
35.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.0%

Location

Gordon College sits in Wenham, Massachusetts, about 25 miles north of Boston. The campus occupies 450 acres in a quiet New England town of roughly 5,000 residents. Students can reach downtown Boston in under an hour by car, giving them access to internships and cultural opportunities in one of America's top college cities. The surrounding North Shore region features historic coastal towns, rocky beaches, and dense forests typical of rural Massachusetts. Wenham itself maintains a small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and colonial architecture. The college's rural-fringe setting provides a peaceful study environment while keeping urban amenities within reach. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Gordon College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Wenham, Massachusetts 01984

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,119
Median Earnings (5 years)
$53,021
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,300
Loan Repayment Rate
82.7%
Monthly Loan Payment
$278/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Gordon College?

Gordon College accepts 91.76% of applicants, making it quite accessible for students interested in Christian liberal arts education. The average SAT score is 1200, with most admitted students scoring between 1086 and 1313. This evangelical college founded in 1889 emphasizes faith integration across all academic disciplines.

How much does Gordon College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Gordon College is $24,817 after aid, compared to the full cost of attendance of $41,550. Students from families earning less than $30,000 pay an average of $18,678 annually. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $15,181 each.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gordon College?

Gordon College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,247 students. The college operates on a semester calendar system in its rural-fringe Massachusetts setting. Students benefit from small class sizes that support the college's commitment to personalized Christian education.

What do Gordon College graduates earn after graduation?

Gordon College graduates earn a median salary of $52,119 ten years after graduation, with 96.8% finding employment. Recent graduates start with median earnings of $37,667 in their first year. The typical monthly loan payment is $278 on median debt of $26,250.

Where do Gordon College students live on campus?

Gordon College houses students in facilities with a capacity of 1,268, slightly exceeding total enrollment of 1,247. The retention rate is 82.90%, indicating most students stay through their second year. About 35% of students come from Massachusetts, with the remainder traveling from other states to this Wenham campus.

Does Gordon College offer athletic scholarships?

Gordon College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as an NCAA Division III institution competing in the Conference of New England. The Fighting Scots field 24 varsity sports teams with 337 total student-athletes. Division III schools emphasize academics over athletics and prohibit athletic scholarships by NCAA rules.