Patrick Henry College: 75.9% Acceptance Rate

75.9%Acceptance

$28,425Tuition

373Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Code 108

About Patrick Henry College

Patrick Henry College trains future leaders in government and law through a rigorous classical curriculum rooted in Christian principles. This small liberal arts college enrolls just 373 students in Purcellville, a town on the edge of Virginia's suburbs. Founded in 2000, the school has built a reputation for sending graduates to strong internships in Washington D.C. and top law schools.

Students face a total cost of $39,945 annually, with no federal financial aid available since the college maintains independence from government funding. Zero percent of students receive Pell Grants or federal loans. About 25% receive institutional grants averaging $13,531, but most families pay the full price. The college's financial model reflects its commitment to avoiding federal oversight while serving primarily affluent conservative families.

The student body is 53% male and draws heavily from homeschool backgrounds, with only 12% coming from Virginia. Students maintain high academic standards with an average SAT score of 1337 and 88% retention rate. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships. Campus housing accommodates 301 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where the Sentinels athletic teams compete at the club level.

Academics & Faculty

Patrick Henry College specializes in classical Christian liberal arts education with a conservative worldview. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship in small seminar-style classes. The college is particularly known for its government and journalism programs, producing graduates who work in conservative politics and media. Students study the Great Books curriculum alongside constitutional law and rhetoric. The 65.1% four-year graduation rate reflects the school's rigorous academic standards and demanding course load. Many students pursue internships in Washington DC, just an hour away. The college emphasizes debate, critical thinking, and written communication skills. Faculty integrate Christian principles throughout the curriculum rather than treating faith as separate from academic study.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 65.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.5%
Retention Rate: 87.9%
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Patrick Henry College sits in rural Purcellville, Virginia, about an hour west of Washington, DC. The 373-student body creates an intimate campus where most students know each other by name. With housing capacity for 301 students, about 81% live on campus in a tight-knit residential community. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often join them for meals in the dining hall.

Students experience all four seasons in Virginia's Piedmont region, needing both winter coats for January snow and shorts for humid summers. Weekend activities center around campus events, outdoor recreation in nearby Shenandoah National Park, and trips to DC for internships and cultural experiences. The college's debate teams dominate national competitions, reflecting the school's focus on classical rhetoric and argumentation. Chapel attendance brings the community together multiple times per week. With 53% men and 47% women, the gender balance creates a family-like atmosphere where students often study together in small groups and participate in intramural sports as the Sentinels.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 301 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 2000

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–41°F
July Avg: 63°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 0.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This small Christian college draws students from across the nation, with nearly 90% coming from out-of-state. The national pull reflects Patrick Henry's specialized mission as a conservative classical education institution. Students typically come from families committed to the school's religious and political philosophy. The gender split tilts slightly male at 53%, which aligns with the college's focus on government and political careers. Zero Pell Grant recipients indicates the student body comes from higher-income families who can afford the nearly $40,000 annual cost without federal need-based aid.

Men: 53.1%
Women: 46.9%
White: 48.5%
Black: 0.3%
Hispanic: 4.6%
Asian: 5.1%
In-State Students: 12.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 0.0%

Location

Patrick Henry College sits in Purcellville, Virginia, about 50 miles northwest of Washington DC. The campus draws 87.80% of its students from out-of-state to this small town in Loudoun County's wine country. Purcellville maintains a rural feel with rolling hills and historic charm, though it's experiencing suburban growth as the DC metro area expands westward. The town sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Only 12.20% of students come from Virginia itself, suggesting the college's national appeal despite its small-town setting. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Patrick Henry College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Purcellville, Virginia 20132

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Patrick Henry College?

Patrick Henry College accepts 75.85% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school attracts students committed to its classical Christian education model and conservative worldview. Most admitted students score between 1233 and 1440 on the SAT.

How much does Patrick Henry College cost after financial aid?

Total cost of attendance reaches $39,945 annually, with no students receiving federal Pell Grants. Only 24.93% of students receive institutional grants averaging $13,531. The school's approach to financial aid reflects its appeal to families who can afford full tuition without federal assistance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Patrick Henry College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 14:1 with total enrollment of just 373 students. This intimate setting supports the college's emphasis on classical education and mentorship. Small class sizes allow for deep engagement with conservative political theory and constitutional studies.

What is the graduation rate at Patrick Henry College?

The 4-year graduation rate is 65.10%, with the 6-year rate reaching 65.50%. The retention rate of 87.88% shows most students stay committed to the rigorous classical curriculum. Founded in 2000, the college has built a reputation for producing graduates active in conservative politics and government.

Where is Patrick Henry College located?

The campus sits in Purcellville, Virginia, a town-fringe setting that offers both rural tranquility and access to Washington D.C. Only 12.20% of the 373 students come from Virginia, drawing a national student body. Housing capacity of 301 means most students live on the close-knit campus.

Is Patrick Henry College religiously affiliated?

Patrick Henry College maintains a strong Christian identity and requires students to affirm conservative theological beliefs. The student body is 48.53% white with minimal diversity, reflecting its appeal to specific religious and political communities. The Sentinels compete as a small but dedicated athletic program within this faith-based environment.