About Ursinus College
Ursinus College builds its reputation on close mentorship and rigorous academics in the liberal arts tradition. The college enrolls 1,477 students in suburban Collegeville, creating an intimate community where personal attention defines the experience. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than number. The science programs stand out as particularly strong, complementing the broader liberal arts foundation. Notable alumnus J.D. Salinger honed his craft here before writing The Catcher in the Rye.
The financial picture reveals both challenge and opportunity. Students pay an average net price of $30,485 after aid, below the $59,196 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $73,721 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given career outcomes. About 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $40,075, making the education more accessible than the published price suggests.
Athletic participation runs deep at Ursinus, with 642 students competing across 22 varsity sports in Division III. That means nearly half the student body plays varsity athletics. The 84% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 77% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
The financial picture reveals both challenge and opportunity. Students pay an average net price of $30,485 after aid, below the $59,196 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $73,721 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given career outcomes. About 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $40,075, making the education more accessible than the published price suggests.
Athletic participation runs deep at Ursinus, with 642 students competing across 22 varsity sports in Division III. That means nearly half the student body plays varsity athletics. The 84% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 77% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
Ursinus operates as a classic liberal arts college where students explore broad intellectual foundations before specializing. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often become mentors throughout their academic journey. About 75% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the personalized support that defines the Ursinus experience. The college has built a strong reputation in the sciences, particularly biology and chemistry, with many graduates heading to medical school or research programs. Students also benefit from the school's emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. The liberal arts structure encourages students to take courses across disciplines, creating well-rounded graduates who can think critically about complex problems.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 73.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.6%
- Retention Rate
- 84.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,721
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,995 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $47,650 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
Campus Life
The small suburban campus sits 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia, giving students easy access to internships and weekend city trips. With housing capacity for 1,468 students and total enrollment of 1,477, nearly everyone lives on campus all four years. Pennsylvania winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for studying on the quad.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests. Students gather in Wismer Hall for meals and late-night study sessions. Weekend activities center around the 22 varsity sports teams, with Bears games drawing solid crowds despite the Division III level. Greek life doesn't dominate social scenes like at larger schools. Many students head to Philadelphia for concerts, museums, or just a change of scenery. The Grizzly newspaper and campus radio station provide creative outlets. With 642 total athletes out of 1,477 students, nearly half the campus participates in varsity sports. Study abroad programs and undergraduate research opportunities keep academically motivated students engaged year-round.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests. Students gather in Wismer Hall for meals and late-night study sessions. Weekend activities center around the 22 varsity sports teams, with Bears games drawing solid crowds despite the Division III level. Greek life doesn't dominate social scenes like at larger schools. Many students head to Philadelphia for concerts, museums, or just a change of scenery. The Grizzly newspaper and campus radio station provide creative outlets. With 642 total athletes out of 1,477 students, nearly half the campus participates in varsity sports. Study abroad programs and undergraduate research opportunities keep academically motivated students engaged year-round.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,468 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1869
Campus Safety (2023)
33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–37°F
- July Avg
- 63°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 14.0"
Student Demographics
Ursinus draws primarily Pennsylvania students who value small-class learning and strong professor relationships. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where students can't hide in the back row. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to making liberal arts education accessible. The nearly even gender split aligns with Ursinus's broad liberal arts mission rather than a specialty focus. Most students come from middle-class families seeking personalized attention and strong preparation for graduate school or careers requiring critical thinking skills.
- Men
- 52.1%
- Women
- 47.9%
- White
- 74.9%
- Black
- 7.8%
- Hispanic
- 6.9%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 58.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.8%
Location
Ursinus College sits in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The campus occupies a suburban setting in Montgomery County, where rolling hills and historic Pennsylvania Dutch country create a classic college town atmosphere. Collegeville developed around the college itself, giving students easy access to local shops and restaurants within walking distance. The nearby Perkiomen Creek provides scenic walking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. Philadelphia's cultural attractions, internships, and job market remain accessible by car or train. The region offers a blend of small-town charm with proximity to major East Coast cities like New York, which sits roughly 90 miles away. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Ursinus College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-1000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,721
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,871
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ursinus College?
Ursinus College accepts 82% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a liberal arts college. Students typically need SAT scores around 1280, though the middle 50% ranges from 1180 to 1380.
How much does Ursinus College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Ursinus College is $30,485, lower than the full cost of $75,260. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $40,075, helping offset the steep private college tuition.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Ursinus College?
Ursinus College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,477 students total. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and personalized attention in both humanities and the college's strong science programs.
What do Ursinus College graduates earn after college?
Ursinus College graduates earn a median salary of $73,721 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $27,000. The college achieves a 77% six-year graduation rate and 93% employment rate for its alumni.
Where is Ursinus College located and what is campus life like?
Ursinus College sits in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting outside Philadelphia. With housing capacity for 1,468 students and 22 varsity sports teams competing in Division III, campus life revolves around the tight-knit community of Bears.
Is Ursinus College known for any famous alumni?
Ursinus College's most famous alumnus is author J.D. Salinger, who wrote The Catcher in the Rye. Founded in 1869, the college has built a reputation for nurturing writers and thinkers through its intimate liberal arts education model.
