Mitchell College: 76.8% Acceptance Rate

76.8%Acceptance

$39,050Tuition

421Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,115Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIData: 2023-24

About Mitchell College

Mitchell College specializes in helping students with learning differences succeed in college. With just 421 students on a small city campus in New London, Connecticut, this liberal arts college creates a supportive environment where students get individualized attention. The school accepts 76.84% of applicants, making it accessible to students who might struggle at more competitive colleges.

Students pay an average of $30,841 per year after financial aid, which is reasonable for a private college that offers specialized support services. Graduates earn a median of $39,115 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,150. The monthly loan payment of $267 is manageable given the earning potential, though the 44.10% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees or transfer elsewhere.

The student body is 55.34% male and relatively diverse, with 14.73% Black students and 19.48% Hispanic students. About 175 students play varsity sports across 12 teams in Division III, giving athletes a chance to compete without athletic scholarships. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. With a 57% retention rate, Mitchell works best for students who need extra academic support and appreciate a close-knit community where everyone knows your name.

Academics & Faculty

Mitchell College specializes in helping students with learning differences succeed through small classes and extra academic support. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors can give individual attention to each of the 421 students, which matters because many students here need different teaching approaches than traditional colleges offer. The school's 52.27% four-year graduation rate reflects that students often take longer to complete degrees due to learning challenges, but the college works with them throughout the process. Popular programs include business, criminal justice, and liberal studies. Faculty know students by name and adapt their teaching methods to help everyone learn, making this a good fit for students who struggled in large high school classes.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.1%
Retention Rate: 57.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,115
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$31,133
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$26,224
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$24,421
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$24,035
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$22,420
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Bachelor	$17,396

View all 18 programs →

Campus Life

Mitchell College sits on a 68-acre waterfront campus in New London, Connecticut, about two hours from both Boston and New York City. With 535 housing spots for 421 students, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking between classes. The coastal location means you'll need both winter coats for snowy New England winters and light clothes for pleasant fall and spring weather along the Thames River.

The small size means your 14:1 student-faculty ratio translates into professors who know your name and notice when you're absent. Weekend life revolves around the campus since 68% of students come from Connecticut. The Mariners compete in 12 Division III sports with 175 total athletes, so about 40% of students play a varsity sport. Students often head to nearby Mystic Seaport or take advantage of the college's sailing program on the river. The school's focus on supporting students with learning differences creates a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere, where study groups and peer tutoring are common parts of student life.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 535 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1938

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	2	2	0	0
Fondling	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.3"
Annual Snowfall: 24.5"

Student Demographics

Mitchell College draws students who need extra support to succeed in college, with 39% receiving Pell Grants showing the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families. The student body is 69% from Connecticut, reflecting strong local trust in the college's learning support programs. Men slightly outnumber women at 55%, likely because many students come for the marine studies and environmental programs that appeal to male students. The diverse mix includes 15% Black and 19% Hispanic students, many of whom find the small, supportive environment helps them thrive academically.

Men: 55.3%
Women: 44.7%
White: 55.8%
Black: 14.7%
Hispanic: 19.5%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 68.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.3%

Location

Mitchell College sits in New London, Connecticut, a small coastal city about 45 minutes southeast of Hartford and two hours from both Boston and New York City. The campus overlooks the Thames River just three miles from where it meets Long Island Sound. New London combines historic charm with maritime culture, home to the Coast Guard Academy and several museums. The city has about 27,000 residents and offers beaches, hiking trails, and easy access to both rural Connecticut and major East Coast cities. With 68.57% of students coming from in-state, many choose Mitchell for its close-to-home feel while still experiencing college independence. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Mitchell College with similar schools in the region.

Address: New London, Connecticut 06320

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,115
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,559
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $267/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,150

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Mitchell College?

Mitchell College accepts 76.84% of applicants. The college specializes in supporting students with learning differences, which explains their more accessible admissions approach. This higher acceptance rate reflects their mission to provide opportunities for students who might struggle at traditional institutions.

How much does Mitchell College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Mitchell College is $30,841 after aid, despite a sticker price of $55,790. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity. Students typically graduate with $25,150 in debt and face monthly loan payments of $267.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mitchell College?

Mitchell College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 421 total students. This small liberal arts environment provides intensive support for students with learning differences. The intimate setting allows professors to offer personalized attention that helps students succeed academically.

What are the graduation rates at Mitchell College?

Mitchell College has a 52.27% four-year graduation rate and 44.10% six-year rate. While these numbers appear modest, they reflect the college's specialized mission of serving students with learning challenges. Graduates earn a median of $39,115 ten years after graduation with a 95.6% employment rate.

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

Mitchell College sits in New London, Connecticut, a small coastal city. The campus houses 535 students and fields 12 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams known as the Mariners. About 175 students participate in athletics within the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.

Does Mitchell College specialize in serving students with learning differences?

Mitchell College is nationally recognized for its supportive learning environment designed for students with learning differences. The 57% retention rate reflects the challenges these students face, but also the specialized support systems in place. Founded in 1938, the college has built expertise in helping non-traditional learners succeed in higher education.