Goucher College: 80.2% Acceptance Rate

80.2%Acceptance

$51,250Tuition

948Students

60%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,023Earnings

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

About Goucher College

Goucher College requires every student to study abroad before graduating, making it one of the few schools with this mandatory global experience. The 948-student liberal arts college sits in Baltimore, where students develop close relationships with faculty in an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio environment. Notable graduates include TV host Jenna Bush Hager and advice columnist Amy Dickinson. The college accepts 80% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1221.

Students receive substantial financial aid that makes Goucher more affordable than its sticker price suggests. While tuition costs $51,250, the average net price drops to $23,774 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $53,023 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable portion of graduate salaries. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $35,187.

Women comprise 66% of the student body, and the campus reflects Baltimore's diversity with 28% Black students and 48% white students. The Gophers compete in 18 Division III sports with 253 total athletes. The 60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish, but 95% find employment after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Goucher stands out as a liberal arts college that requires every student to study abroad, making global education central to the academic experience. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally and mentor them closely. This personalized attention shows in the hands-on approach across disciplines, from creative writing to the sciences. However, the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees despite the supportive environment. The college emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and encourages students to design their own academic paths. Small class sizes foster deep discussions and collaborative research opportunities with faculty members who are active scholars in their fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 57.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 59.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.0%
Retention Rate: 76.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,023
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

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Campus Life

Goucher's 287-acre campus sits in suburban Towson, just eight miles north of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. With housing capacity for 985 students and total enrollment of 948, nearly every student lives on campus. The close-knit community benefits from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors genuinely accessible. Women comprise 66% of the student body, creating a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere.

Baltimore's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats and spring sundresses. Students often take the light rail into Baltimore for internships, restaurants, and Orioles games on weekends. The campus itself buzzes with activity from 18 varsity sports teams and 253 total athletes competing in Division III. Goucher's famous study abroad requirement means many students spend a semester exploring international locations. The Honor Code runs deep here, with students often leaving laptops unattended in the library. Small classes and campus traditions like the annual Gala create tight bonds that explain why 76.58% of students return for sophomore year.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 985 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1885

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	1	1
Burglary	1	1	0
Fondling	1	1	0
Rape	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–42°F
July Avg: 69°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.2"
Annual Snowfall: 19.3"

Student Demographics

Goucher draws students who value close mentorship and global experiences. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 948-student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in education, psychology, and the arts. The student body splits almost evenly between Maryland residents and out-of-state students, showing both local appeal and national recognition. About one-third receive Pell Grants, demonstrating Goucher's commitment to accessibility. The diverse community includes significant Black and Hispanic representation. Students here typically seek small classes and personal attention, with the mandatory study abroad requirement attracting globally-minded learners.

Men: 34.1%
Women: 65.9%
White: 48.2%
Black: 28.3%
Hispanic: 7.3%
Asian: 4.9%
In-State Students: 46.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.2%

Location

Goucher College sits in Baltimore, Maryland, giving students direct access to a major East Coast city of 585,000 residents. The campus is located about 40 miles northeast of Washington DC and 100 miles south of Philadelphia. Baltimore offers internship opportunities in healthcare, finance, and government, with major employers like Johns Hopkins Hospital and Under Armour headquartered nearby. The city blends historic neighborhoods with modern waterfront development around the Inner Harbor. Students can explore everything from strong museums to diverse food scenes within the city limits. The Mid-Atlantic location provides easy access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation in the Chesapeake Bay region. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Goucher College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Baltimore, Maryland 21204-2794

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,023
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,736
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 73.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Goucher College?

Goucher College accepts 80.24% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1113 and 1328 on the SAT. This liberal arts college values well-rounded admissions and seeks students ready for its rigorous study abroad requirement.

How much does Goucher College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Goucher College is $23,774, lower than the sticker price of $69,100 total cost of attendance. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $13,998 per year. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides substantial institutional aid averaging $35,187.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Goucher College?

Goucher College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 948 total students. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships that the college is known for. The small class sizes support Goucher's liberal arts mission and personalized approach to education.

What are the career outcomes for Goucher College graduates?

Goucher College graduates earn a median salary of $53,023 ten years after graduation with a 94.6% employment rate. The 60% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's challenging academic standards. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.

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

Goucher College sits in Baltimore, Maryland, offering students access to internships and cultural opportunities in a mid-sized city. The campus houses 985 students in residential facilities, creating a tight-knit community. With 66% women and strong diversity including 28% Black students, the campus reflects Baltimore's demographics.

Does Goucher College require students to study abroad?

Goucher College is nationally recognized for requiring all undergraduates to complete a study abroad experience. This unique mandate sets it apart from most liberal arts colleges and reflects the school's commitment to global education. The requirement has shaped Goucher's identity since it was implemented and attracts internationally minded students.