About Ripon College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While the sticker price hits $61,640, most students pay far less through generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $21,176, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $54,902 ten years out, which easily covers the typical $27,000 in student debt with monthly loan payments of $286. The 95.7% employment rate shows Ripon delivers on career preparation.
The Red Hawks compete in 18 NCAA Division III sports with 388 total athletes, creating a campus where sports matter but don't dominate. The 75.51% retention rate suggests most students find their fit, though the 59.90% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.9%
- Retention Rate
- 75.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,902
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| History. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
Campus Life
With housing capacity for 954 students on a campus serving 720, most undergraduates live in residence halls or college houses. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and it's common to be invited to faculty homes for dinner. Weekend life revolves around campus activities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Green Lake for outdoor recreation. The college's theater program draws crowds to campus productions, reflecting the school's reputation for producing actors like Harrison Ford and Spencer Tracy. With 388 total athletes competing in 18 Division III sports, Red Hawks games provide regular weekend entertainment for the campus community.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 954 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–25°F
- July Avg
- 59°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- -745.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 54.7%
- Women
- 45.3%
- White
- 78.5%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.4%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 68.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.3%
Location
- Address
- Ripon, Wisconsin 54971-0248
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,902
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,514
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ripon College?
Ripon College accepts 81.33% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This liberal arts college in Wisconsin has built its reputation on close mentoring rather than exclusivity. The school focuses on developing strong relationships between its 720 students and faculty.
How much does Ripon College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,176 annually, less than the $50,700 sticker price. The college provides institutional grants averaging $37,311 to 34.31% of students. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What are academics like at Ripon College?
Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in small classes. The college maintains a 75.51% retention rate as students connect with professors who know them by name. This close mentoring approach has historically produced successful alumni in entertainment and other fields.
What do Ripon College graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $54,902 ten years after graduation, with 95.7% finding employment. The college's strong alumni network, which includes actors Harrison Ford and Spencer Tracy, helps open doors for recent graduates. Starting salaries average $35,903 in the first year after graduation.
Where is Ripon College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the small town of Ripon, Wisconsin, housing 954 students in residence halls. With 388 students participating in 18 NCAA Division III sports, athletics play a major role in campus culture. The Red Hawks compete in the Midwest Conference without offering athletic scholarships.
Is Ripon College known for producing entertainment industry professionals?
The college has an unusually strong track record in Hollywood for a small Midwest school with 720 students. Notable alumni include Academy Award winners Harrison Ford and Spencer Tracy, both actors who launched successful careers after graduating. This entertainment industry connection sets Ripon apart from typical liberal arts colleges.
