Principia College: 47.9% Acceptance Rate

47.9%Acceptance

$33,280Tuition

337Students

76%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Principia College

Principia College serves just 337 students on a blufftop campus overlooking the Mississippi River. This Christian Science institution operates under strict honor code requirements and campus policies that align with the church's principles. The college draws students from across the country, with only 15% coming from Illinois. Its 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know every student personally.

The financial picture here is unusual. Zero percent of students receive federal Pell Grants or take out federal loans. The $47,650 total cost remains the same for all students since no need-based aid appears in the data. About 22% of students do receive institutional grants averaging $27,051. This suggests most families can afford the full price or the college carefully selects students who fit its financial model.

The Panthers compete in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with teams that reflect the school's small size. Nearly 76% of students graduate within four years, though the 75% retention rate indicates some struggle with the college's demanding environment. The 60-40 male-female split and Christian Science foundation create a distinctive campus culture that either fits perfectly or feels restrictive, depending on the student.

Academics & Faculty

Principia College operates as a liberal arts institution exclusively for Christian Scientists, creating an unusually intimate academic environment. With just 337 students and a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, every class feels more like a seminar than a lecture hall. The college emphasizes close mentorship and individualized attention across traditional liberal arts disciplines. Students benefit from small class sizes that enable deep discussion and personal relationships with professors. The 76% graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though the specialized religious focus means the college attracts a very specific student population. Programs span the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, all integrated with Christian Science principles and values.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 76.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 76.2%
Retention Rate: 75.4%
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

The rural campus sits on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, about 40 miles north of St. Louis. With only 337 students and housing capacity for 529, nearly everyone lives on campus in this tight-knit community. You'll need winter coats for Illinois winters and layers for humid summers.

The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals personally. Christian Science principles shape daily life through required chapel attendance, an alcohol and tobacco-free campus, and an honor code that governs student conduct. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation along the river, intramural sports, and campus events since the nearest town of Elsah has fewer than 700 residents. Students often drive to St. Louis for shopping, concerts, or internship opportunities. The Panther athletic teams compete in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. With 86% of students coming from out of state, the campus draws a geographically diverse community united by shared religious beliefs and commitment to the college's distinctive lifestyle.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 529 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1912

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–39°F
July Avg: 68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.4"
Annual Snowfall: 12.5"

Student Demographics

Principia draws students from across the country, with nearly 86% coming from out-of-state. The college serves an exclusive Christian Science community, which explains its unique demographics and zero federal financial aid participation. Men slightly outnumber women on campus. The student body reflects the geographic spread of Christian Science families nationwide rather than local Illinois residents. With just 337 students total, Principia operates as a tight-knit community bound by shared religious beliefs. The college's selective mission creates a demographically distinct campus unlike typical liberal arts institutions.

Men: 59.9%
Women: 40.1%
White: 38.0%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 5.0%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 14.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 0.0%

Location

Principia College sits in Elsah, Illinois, a small historic village along the Mississippi River about 25 miles north of St. Louis. The 337-student campus occupies blufftop land in a rural-fringe setting surrounded by limestone bluffs and river valley scenery. Elsah itself has fewer than 700 residents and maintains its 19th-century character as a preserved historic district. The college draws just 14.58% of students from Illinois, with most coming from across the country to this secluded campus. The Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities, while St. Louis offers urban amenities within driving distance. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Principia College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Elsah, Illinois 62028-9799

After College

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Principia College?

Principia College accepts 47.85% of applicants, making admission moderately selective. The school serves exclusively Christian Science students and families, which naturally limits the applicant pool to those aligned with the college's religious mission.

How much does Principia College cost after financial aid?

Total attendance costs $47,650 annually with no students receiving federal financial aid or Pell Grants. However, 21.96% of students receive institutional grants averaging $27,051, reflecting the college's unique approach to supporting families within the Christian Science community.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Principia College?

The college maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio with just 337 total students enrolled. This intimate academic environment allows for highly personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

What is the graduation rate at Principia College?

Principia College graduates 76.20% of students within six years, with a four-year rate of 76.53%. The college's strong sense of community and honor code create an environment where students support each other academically and spiritually.

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

The college sits on a rural campus in Elsah, Illinois, with housing capacity for 529 students despite having only 337 enrolled. This creates a close-knit residential community where students live by Christian Science principles and participate in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as the Panthers.

Does Principia College have any unique requirements for students?

Principia College operates as the world's only college exclusively for Christian Science students and families. The student body is 59.94% male and follows strict honor code requirements that align with Christian Science teachings, creating a distinctive campus culture unlike any other institution.