Grove City College: 71.0% Acceptance Rate

71.0%Acceptance

$20,890Tuition

2,221Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Undenominational

About Grove City College

Grove City College stands out for refusing federal funding while maintaining remarkably affordable tuition. This Christian liberal arts college enrolls 2,221 students in a small Pennsylvania town and attracts conservatives who value traditional principles. The school has produced notable alumni including former Vice President Dan Quayle and financial guru Dave Ramsey. Students score an average SAT of 1245, and 71% of applicants gain admission to this unabashedly Christian campus.

The financial picture tells an unusual story. Tuition costs just $20,890 regardless of residency, but the school reports zero students receiving federal financial aid or Pell Grants. Only 19% receive institutional grants averaging $8,020. Total attendance costs reach $33,660 including room and board. Graduates earn a median $57,216 five years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for those who can afford the upfront costs.

The student body reflects the school's conservative Christian identity. White students comprise 90% of enrollment, with men slightly outnumbering women at 52%. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. An impressive 93% employment rate shows employers value Grove City graduates, while the 80% four-year graduation rate demonstrates student commitment to finishing what they start.

Academics & Faculty

Grove City College delivers a Christian liberal arts education that emphasizes conservative values and classical learning. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention from professors who integrate faith with academics. Students complete 80% of their degrees in four years, reflecting strong academic support and clear degree pathways. The college is particularly known for its business and economics programs, which have produced notable alumni like financial advisor Dave Ramsey. Engineering and education also draw strong student interest. The liberal arts curriculum requires students to engage with Western civilization, philosophy, and theology regardless of their major. Faculty expect rigorous thinking while maintaining the college's "Pro Christo et Patria" mission of serving Christ and country.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 80.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 79.7%
Retention Rate: 87.9%
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Grove City sits 60 miles north of Pittsburgh in rural Pennsylvania, where winters demand heavy coats and snow boots. The 180-acre campus houses nearly all 2,221 students, with housing capacity reaching 2,211. Students gather in the campus center between classes or study in the library that stays busy until late evening.

Weekend life revolves around campus traditions and outdoor activities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often join them at campus events. Chapel attendance remains voluntary but well-attended, reflecting the school's Christian foundation. Students organize intramural sports, attend Wolverines athletic events, or explore nearby Moraine State Park for hiking and fishing. The conservative campus culture emphasizes traditional values, with strict residence hall policies and a dress code for classes. Student organizations focus heavily on service projects and faith-based activities. Many students spend Sunday evenings in the campus dining hall, catching up on homework while discussing weekend adventures or planning the upcoming week's activities.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 2,211 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1876

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–33°F
July Avg: 58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.2"
Annual Snowfall: 27.5"

Student Demographics

Grove City draws students who embrace its unapologetically conservative Christian mission and reject federal funding on principle. The 2,221-student body splits almost evenly between men and women, reflecting strong programs in both business and liberal arts. More than half come from Pennsylvania, showing deep local roots, while the remainder travel from across the country for the college's distinctive approach. The student population is overwhelmingly white, typical of rural Pennsylvania and conservative Christian institutions. Students choose Grove City specifically for its traditional values and tight-knit community atmosphere.

Men: 51.9%
Women: 48.1%
White: 90.5%
Black: 0.5%
Hispanic: 0.7%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 54.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 0.0%

Location

Grove City sits in western Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Pittsburgh. The town of 7,800 people revolves around the college, creating a classic small college town atmosphere. Grove City College enrolls 2,221 students in this rural setting surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The campus houses 2,211 students in its residence halls, meaning nearly every student lives on campus. Winter temperatures average in the 20s and 30s, while summers reach the 70s and 80s. The isolated location fosters tight-knit campus community bonds. Students drive about an hour to reach Pittsburgh for internships, shopping, or entertainment. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Grove City College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Grove City, Pennsylvania 16127-2104

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $57,216

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Grove City College?

Grove City College accepts about 71% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1245. The college attracts students who value its conservative Christian principles and affordable private education model.

How much does Grove City College cost after financial aid?

Tuition costs $20,890 for all students, with total attendance reaching $33,660 including room and board. The college famously refuses federal funding, so only 18.78% of students receive institutional grants averaging $8,020.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Grove City College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 13:1 among the college's 2,221 students. Grove City emphasizes close mentoring relationships and maintains its commitment to classical liberal arts education within a Christian framework.

What are the job prospects for Grove City College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.1% employment rate with median earnings of $57,216 five years after graduation. The college's strong alumni network in business and politics, including connections to notable graduates like former Vice President Dan Quayle, helps students secure career opportunities.

Where is Grove City College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Grove City, Pennsylvania, housing 2,211 students in dormitories with capacity for nearly the entire student body. About 55% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community centered around Christian values and traditions.

Does Grove City College accept federal financial aid?

Grove City College refuses all federal funding, resulting in 0% of students receiving Pell Grants or federal loans. This unique stance allows the college to maintain independence from government regulations while keeping tuition relatively low for a private institution.