About Grace College and Theological Seminary
Grace College combines evangelical faith with practical education in a small Indiana lakeside town. The 1,511 students study at this Brethren Church-affiliated institution that operates both an undergraduate college and theological seminary on the same campus. Students can compete in 15 NAIA sports, with 316 total athletes receiving over $2.2 million in athletic scholarships. The 84% acceptance rate welcomes students with an average SAT of 1080.
Families pay an average net price of $18,406 after aid, substantially less than the $30,034 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,409 annually. Graduates earn a median of $45,411 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $19,500. The monthly loan payment averages $207, manageable given the employment rate of 97.2%.
Women comprise 61% of the student body, while 73% come from Indiana. The 80% retention rate reflects decent student satisfaction, though the 70% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than typical liberal arts colleges. Students live in a town-distant setting where the college dominates the local community around Winona Lake.
Families pay an average net price of $18,406 after aid, substantially less than the $30,034 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,409 annually. Graduates earn a median of $45,411 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $19,500. The monthly loan payment averages $207, manageable given the employment rate of 97.2%.
Women comprise 61% of the student body, while 73% come from Indiana. The 80% retention rate reflects decent student satisfaction, though the 70% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than typical liberal arts colleges. Students live in a town-distant setting where the college dominates the local community around Winona Lake.
Academics & Faculty
Grace College combines liberal arts education with biblical studies as a Christian institution rooted in the Brethren Church tradition. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical liberal arts colleges, though professors still know students personally in this close-knit community of 1,511 students. The school earned recognition for its orthopedic biomechanics program and draws students interested in ministry preparation through its integrated seminary. Nearly 70% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the supportive environment despite academic challenges. Business, education, and health sciences attract many undergraduates, while the seminary trains pastors and church leaders. Students appreciate how faith integration happens naturally across all disciplines rather than feeling forced.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.9%
- Retention Rate
- 80.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,411
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $76,460 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,770 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,240 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Master | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,938 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,637 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $33,281 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,650 |
Campus Life
Grace College sits in the small town of Winona Lake, about two hours southeast of Chicago. With housing capacity for 1,127 students and total enrollment of 1,511, most undergraduates live on campus in a close-knit community. Indiana winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while humid summers call for plenty of air conditioning. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially important at a Brethren Church-affiliated school where faith integration happens in small discussion groups.
With 60.69% women and 80.61% white students, the campus skews female and homogeneous. Weekends revolve around NAIA athletics, with 316 student-athletes competing across 15 varsity sports drawing campus-wide support. Students often gather at nearby Winona Lake for swimming and boating in warmer months. The seminary component brings graduate students into campus life, creating mentoring relationships between undergrads and future pastors. Chapel services and mission trips abroad shape the social calendar alongside typical college activities.
With 60.69% women and 80.61% white students, the campus skews female and homogeneous. Weekends revolve around NAIA athletics, with 316 student-athletes competing across 15 varsity sports drawing campus-wide support. Students often gather at nearby Winona Lake for swimming and boating in warmer months. The seminary component brings graduate students into campus life, creating mentoring relationships between undergrads and future pastors. Chapel services and mission trips abroad shape the social calendar alongside typical college activities.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,127 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–33°F
- July Avg
- 61°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 31.9"
Student Demographics
Grace College draws primarily from Indiana and the broader Midwest, with 73% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the school's Christian mission and strong education programs, with women comprising 61% of enrollment due to popular teacher preparation and nursing tracks. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education. The predominantly white student population mirrors both the rural Indiana setting and the Brethren Church denomination's traditional demographics.
- Men
- 39.3%
- Women
- 60.7%
- White
- 80.6%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 73.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.7%
Location
Grace College sits in Winona Lake, Indiana, a small town about 45 miles southeast of South Bend and 100 miles from Indianapolis. The campus draws 73% of its students from within Indiana, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Winona Lake centers around its namesake glacial lake and maintains a quiet, residential atmosphere that contrasts with larger college towns. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities with several lakes nearby, though students seeking urban amenities must travel to Fort Wayne, roughly 30 miles north. The town-distant setting provides a close-knit community feel where the college serves as a central institution. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Grace College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Winona Lake, Indiana 46590-1274
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,411
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,604
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Grace College and Theological Seminary?
Grace College accepts 84.62% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1080. The college attracts students seeking a Christian liberal arts education grounded in Brethren Church values.
How much does Grace College and Theological Seminary cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,406 after aid, less than the $30,034 sticker price. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,409 on average, making this Christian education surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Grace College and Theological Seminary?
The college maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,511 total students. Grace combines liberal arts programs with seminary training, preparing students for ministry and professional careers.
What do Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $45,411 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $207. The college boasts a 97.2% employment rate, reflecting strong career preparation in both secular and ministry fields.
Where is Grace College and Theological Seminary located?
The college sits in Winona Lake, Indiana, a small town setting that houses 1,127 students on campus. About 73% of students come from Indiana, creating a close-knit community centered around faith and learning.
Does Grace College and Theological Seminary offer athletic scholarships?
The college awards $2,265,141 in athletic scholarships across 15 NAIA sports programs with 316 total athletes. Grace competes in the Crossroads League, balancing competitive athletics with Christian character development.
