About Prescott College
Students pay an average net price of $20,906 after financial aid, below the sticker price of $35,685. Nearly half receive federal Pell Grants, indicating a substantial low-income student population. Graduates earn a median of $42,359 ten years after leaving school. With typical debt loads of $16,300, monthly loan payments average $173. The employment rate reaches 95.2%, though the 36% six-year graduation rate suggests this unconventional approach doesn't work for everyone.
Women make up 64% of the student body, and only 28% come from Arizona. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio enables intensive mentoring relationships. Housing capacity serves just 123 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 75% retention rate indicates most students who start here find their fit.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 44.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.9%
- Retention Rate
- 75.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,359
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,426 |
Campus Life
Students here embrace outdoor adventure as part of their education. Prescott College pioneered experiential learning, sending students into the wilderness for hands-on environmental studies. With 64% women, the campus leans heavily female and draws students passionate about sustainability and social justice. Weekends often involve hiking the nearby San Francisco Peaks, rock climbing, or exploring Prescott's Old West downtown. The 75% retention rate reflects students who thrive on unconventional learning but struggle with the academic intensity. Many students transfer to more traditional programs, though those who stay form tight bonds through shared outdoor expeditions and collaborative projects.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 123 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–52°F
- July Avg
- 61°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 16.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 10.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.0%
- Women
- 64.0%
- White
- 67.6%
- Black
- 3.2%
- Hispanic
- 6.3%
- Asian
- 5.1%
- In-State Students
- 28.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.3%
Location
- Address
- Prescott, Arizona 86301
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,359
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,252
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $173/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,300
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Prescott College?
Prescott College accepts 98.38% of applicants, making admission virtually guaranteed for students who apply. The school focuses on experiential learning and attracts students seeking an alternative approach to liberal arts education. With only 253 total students enrolled, the college maintains an intimate learning environment.
How much does Prescott College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,906 after financial aid, less than the $35,685 sticker price. Nearly half of students (47.28%) receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many low-income families. The school offers institutional grants averaging $19,996 to about 14% of students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Prescott College?
Prescott College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring highly personalized attention in classes. The school is known for its hands-on, experiential learning approach that takes students into the field. This intimate academic setting supports the college's philosophy of self-directed, collaborative education.
What are the graduation rates at Prescott College?
Only 35.90% of students graduate within six years, well below national averages for four-year colleges. The median earnings ten years after enrollment are $42,359, reflecting the school's focus on environmental and social justice careers. The 75% retention rate suggests students who stay tend to find their fit with the college's unique educational model.
Where is Prescott College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Prescott, Arizona, a small city in the mountains north of Phoenix. On-campus housing accommodates only 123 students, so most of the 253 enrolled live off-campus in the surrounding community. The mountain setting supports the school's strong environmental focus and outdoor education programs.
Does Prescott College have a strong environmental program?
Prescott College is nationally recognized for its environmental focus and pioneering work in sustainability education. The school operates on a semester calendar system that allows for extended field experiences and internships. About 95.2% of graduates find employment, often in environmental, education, and social service fields that align with the college's mission.
