College Search
Principia College

Principia College

Elsah, IL · Rural · 339 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
Rural
Small (<3k)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Situated on scenic bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Principia College is a private liberal arts institution uniquely designed for Christian Scientists that is globally renowned for its National Historic Landmark campus designed by architect Bernard Maybeck. Academically, the college is best known for its highly personalized programs in sustainability, business administration, and global studies, all of which are enhanced by an exceptionally active study abroad program where nearly nearly virtually every student travels internationally. The student experience is defined by a tight-knit, substance-free campus culture that emphasizes character development, whole-person growth, and active participation in NCAA Division III athletics and student-run house systems.


Wikipedia:Principia College is a private liberal arts college in Elsah, Illinois. It was founded in 1912 by Mary Kimball Morgan with the purpose of "serving the Cause of Christian Science." Morgan wrote in her book Education at the Principia that, "Although the College is not affiliated with the Christian Science Church, the practice of Christian Science is the cornerstone of campus life." Principia no longer requires its students or their parents to be students of Christian Science or Christian Science Church members. Presently, its student body represents 26 countries and a variety of faith backgrounds.

Location
Elsah, IL, 62028-9799 · Rural campus
Nearest airport from college
STL · St. Louis
14 mi away
Cost
Room & board
$13,910
Tuition
$34,680
Books & supplies
$1,000/yr
Admissions
ACT midpoint
25

Wondering if Principia College is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay Requirements

Principia College accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
75%
4-yr on-time completion
54%
1st-yr retention
83%
Transfer-out rate
0%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
80%
Transferred
0%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
20%
Student Body
Men 59%Women 41%
6
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
0%
Part-time students
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
35%
Hispanic
5%
Black
11%
Asian
1%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
41%
Unknown
2%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions
Education, General18
Communication and Media Studies9
Economics8
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology5
Fine and Studio Arts5
Natural Resources Conservation and Research4
Computer Science4
Sustainability Studies4
Business Administration, Management and Operations4
History4
Engineering Science3
International/Globalization Studies3
Political Science and Government3
Music3
Finance and Financial Management Services3
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics2
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$593M
Classification
Baccalaureate (Arts & Sciences)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions
Full-time faculty
81%
Avg faculty salary
$9,209/mo
Instructional spend/student
$32,709
Federal loan rate
0%

Wondering if Principia College is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Get your college list →See a sample report first