Principia College
A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. strong 76% graduation rate.
About This School
Principia College is a private nonprofit institution located in Elsah, Illinois with approximately 337 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 44% of applicants. In-state tuition is $33,280 per year. The graduation rate is 76%.
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.
This is a niche option worth considering if you're a Christian Scientist seeking a tight-knit academic community — with only 337 undergraduates, you'll get genuine personal attention that larger schools simply can't offer. The numbers tell a mixed story, though: a 75% freshman retention rate and 76% graduation rate suggest that roughly 1 in 4 students either leaves or doesn't finish, which is worth asking the admissions office about directly. If the faith-based mission aligns with your values, that fit may outweigh the concerns — but students who aren't members of the Church of Christ, Scientist should know this school is built around that identity.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
After Graduation
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (337 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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