About Goshen College
Goshen College requires every student to study abroad for a semester, reflecting its commitment to global perspective and peace studies. The Mennonite liberal arts college enrolls 761 students in the small city of Goshen, Indiana. Founded in 1894, Goshen has built a reputation for service learning and social justice education. The college accepts 93.5% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1095, making it accessible to students seeking a values-driven education.
Students pay an average net price of $15,725 after financial aid, less than the $37,760 sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,943 ten years after graduation, while leaving with typical debt of $22,974. The monthly loan payment of $244 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $28,700 to nearly a quarter of students.
Women make up 63% of the student body, and the college serves a diverse population with 28% Hispanic students. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. Athletes compete in 12 varsity sports at the NJCAA level, with 256 students participating. The 78% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction, though the 60.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $15,725 after financial aid, less than the $37,760 sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,943 ten years after graduation, while leaving with typical debt of $22,974. The monthly loan payment of $244 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $28,700 to nearly a quarter of students.
Women make up 63% of the student body, and the college serves a diverse population with 28% Hispanic students. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. Athletes compete in 12 varsity sports at the NJCAA level, with 256 students participating. The 78% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction, though the 60.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Goshen College operates as a Mennonite liberal arts college where students explore broad academic disciplines alongside the school's signature peace studies program. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in small classes typical of liberal arts education. All students must complete a study abroad experience, reflecting the college's global perspective rooted in Mennonite values of service and reconciliation. The 62% four-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to complete requirements, though many use gap years for service learning or extended international study. Peace and conflict studies draws students interested in social justice careers. The college emphasizes experiential learning through its required cross-cultural component and service-learning opportunities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.5%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,943
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,406 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,996 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
Goshen sits in northern Indiana farmland about 30 minutes from South Bend and two hours from Chicago. With 756 beds for 761 students, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit community where you'll know faces across academic years. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals personally.
Indiana winters require heavy coats and boots for trudging through snow between classes. The Mennonite heritage shapes campus culture around service and social justice rather than typical college parties. Students gather for weekly chapel services and campus-wide discussions about peace studies topics. Weekends often involve volunteering in Goshen's diverse Latino community, which reflects the school's 28% Hispanic enrollment. The college requires all students to complete a Study-Service Term abroad, creating a globally minded student body despite the small-town setting. Many students spend Saturday evenings at campus events or exploring nearby Elkhart. The Maple Leafs compete in 12 NJCAA sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and service work.
Indiana winters require heavy coats and boots for trudging through snow between classes. The Mennonite heritage shapes campus culture around service and social justice rather than typical college parties. Students gather for weekly chapel services and campus-wide discussions about peace studies topics. Weekends often involve volunteering in Goshen's diverse Latino community, which reflects the school's 28% Hispanic enrollment. The college requires all students to complete a Study-Service Term abroad, creating a globally minded student body despite the small-town setting. Many students spend Saturday evenings at campus events or exploring nearby Elkhart. The Maple Leafs compete in 12 NJCAA sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and service work.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 756 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1894
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–31°F
- July Avg
- 61°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 77.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 41.5"
Student Demographics
Goshen attracts students drawn to its Mennonite values and peace-focused mission. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong interest in the college's social work, education, and service-oriented programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families. The student body is 47% white with significant Hispanic representation at 28%. Two-thirds come from Indiana, giving Goshen a strong regional presence while still drawing students nationwide who seek its distinctive blend of faith, service, and global engagement through required study abroad.
- Men
- 36.9%
- Women
- 63.1%
- White
- 46.8%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 28.1%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 66.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.4%
Location
Goshen sits in northern Indiana, about 120 miles east of Chicago and 25 miles southeast of South Bend. The city has around 35,000 residents and serves as the county seat of Elkhart County. This small Midwestern city sits in the heart of Amish country, where horse-drawn buggies share roads with college students walking to class. The surrounding area features rolling farmland and numerous Amish communities that contribute to the region's agricultural economy. With 66% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Indiana's rural character before arriving on campus. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Goshen College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Goshen, Indiana 46526-4794
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,943
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,815
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,974
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Goshen College?
Goshen College accepts 93.54% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1095, which reflects the college's focus on well-rounded admissions rather than test score competition.
How much does Goshen College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Goshen College is $15,725, lower than the sticker price of $50,430. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,059 on average, reflecting the Mennonite commitment to accessible education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Goshen College?
Goshen College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 761 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in the classroom.
What do graduates of Goshen College earn after graduation?
Goshen College graduates earn a median of $51,943 ten years after graduation. The 97.9% employment rate reflects strong career preparation, though the 60.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees.
Where do students live at Goshen College?
The college houses 756 students on campus, nearly matching the total enrollment of 761. This creates an intimate residential community where 63% of students are women and the campus reflects the college's diverse student body.
Does Goshen College require study abroad?
Goshen College requires all students to complete a study abroad experience as part of their liberal arts education. This Mennonite institution is particularly known for its peace studies program and global perspective, with 66% of students coming from Indiana.
