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94.1%Acceptance
$30,598Tuition
873Students
51%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,827Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Free Methodist

About Greenville University

Greenville University builds its identity around Christian liberal arts education with a Free Methodist foundation. The college enrolls just 873 students in a small Illinois town, creating an intimate academic environment where faith and learning intersect. Students here pursue traditional liberal arts disciplines while participating in a community that emphasizes service and spiritual growth. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally. Greenville attracts students seeking a close-knit Christian community rather than big-name recognition.

The financial picture tells a mixed story about affordability and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $21,270 after aid, which represents significant savings from the $42,232 sticker price. However, graduates earn a median of $46,827 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $23,875. The monthly loan payment of $253 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Families earning under $48,000 receive particularly generous aid packages.

Academic persistence proves challenging for many students here. Only 51% graduate within six years, and the 70% retention rate suggests some students struggle to find their fit. The college fields 14 varsity sports with 445 total athletes competing in Division III. Nearly 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Greenville serves a significant population of first-generation and lower-income students.

Academics & Faculty

Greenville University operates as a Free Methodist liberal arts college that emphasizes close faculty relationships through its 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The small size means professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention in classroom discussions and research projects. However, only 54% of students graduate within four years, suggesting academic challenges or life circumstances that delay completion. The college is particularly known for its education and business programs, which prepare students for careers in teaching and nonprofit leadership. With 873 total students, class sizes remain intimate across all disciplines. The liberal arts foundation requires students to explore multiple subjects before choosing a major, creating well-rounded graduates despite the modest 51% six-year graduation rate.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
54.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
51.4%
Retention Rate
70.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,827
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $44,542
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $36,560
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $30,409

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

Greenville sits in rural central Illinois, about 50 miles northeast of St. Louis. The 873-student campus feels intimate with its 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly all undergraduates live on campus since housing capacity reaches 801 beds. Winter coats are essential as Illinois winters bring snow and freezing temperatures, while spring and fall offer pleasant Midwest weather.

The Free Methodist heritage shapes campus life with required chapel services and a dry campus policy. Students gather for Panthers athletics games across 14 Division III sports programs that engage 445 student-athletes. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates a unique January term for intensive study or travel experiences. Weekend activities center around campus events, intramural sports, and trips to nearby cities. The 70% retention rate reflects students who connect with the close-knit Christian community atmosphere. Small class sizes mean professors know students personally. The rural setting creates a tight campus community where students often study together in residence halls and participate in campus ministries and service projects.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
801 beds
Calendar System
Four-One-Four
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1892

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–36°F
July Avg
66°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
43.7"
Annual Snowfall
11.9"

Student Demographics

Greenville draws students who value faith-centered education in a small-town setting. About 57% come from Illinois, reflecting the school's strong ties to local Free Methodist communities and regional families seeking affordable Christian higher education. More than a third receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families who prioritize values-based learning. The nearly even gender split reflects balanced liberal arts programming rather than specialized fields that typically skew male or female. Students here often choose community over prestige, seeking personal attention from faculty and close relationships with classmates who share similar beliefs.
Men
51.7%
Women
48.3%
White
59.0%
Black
13.8%
Hispanic
7.6%
Asian
0.9%
In-State Students
56.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
37.7%

Location

Greenville University sits in Greenville, Illinois, about 60 miles northeast of St. Louis. The campus occupies a small town of roughly 7,000 residents in south-central Illinois farm country. Bond County's rolling agricultural landscape provides a quiet, rural setting far from major metropolitan areas. The 56.69% of students from Illinois often come from suburban Chicago areas seeking a close-knit campus experience. Greenville's downtown stretches just a few blocks, with local cafes and shops within walking distance of campus. The town's economy centers around agriculture and the college itself, creating a traditional college town atmosphere where the university's 873 students represent a significant portion of the community. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Greenville University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Greenville, Illinois 62246
GCLibrarySunnyDay
GCLibrarySunnyDay

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,827
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,559
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,200
Loan Repayment Rate
62.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$253/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,875

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Greenville University?

Greenville University accepts 94% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Free Methodist institution focuses on well-rounded admissions rather than just test scores. The average SAT score is 1009, reflecting the school's commitment to serving students with diverse academic backgrounds.

How much does Greenville University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,270 after aid, less than the sticker price of $42,232. Families earning under $48,000 typically pay just $14,536 per year. Nearly 38% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's dedication to serving middle and lower-income families.

What are academics like at Greenville University?

Classes stay small with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across 873 enrolled students. The school operates on a Four-One-Four calendar system, allowing for intensive January term courses. This Christian liberal arts college emphasizes personalized attention and faith-integrated learning.

What do graduates earn after attending Greenville University?

Alumni earn a median salary of $46,827 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $253. The employment rate reaches 96.3% for recent graduates. About 51% of students graduate within six years, and those who complete their degrees generally find steady employment.

Where is Greenville University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in small-town Greenville, Illinois, housing 801 students in residence halls. Panthers compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 445 total athletes participating. The Free Methodist heritage shapes campus culture, creating a close-knit Christian community atmosphere.

Does Greenville University offer athletic scholarships?

Greenville University awards $0 in athletic scholarships since they compete at the NCAA Division III level. Student-athletes participate for the love of the game rather than financial incentives. The Panthers field teams in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, emphasizing academics alongside athletics.