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Principia College

Elsah, IL

Overview

Tiny liberal arts college on Mississippi bluffs where students work campus jobs to cover room and board while pursuing global studies.

Identity
Academics
Culture
Outcomes
Identity

Principia College sits on 2,500 acres of wooded bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in rural Elsah, Illinois, founded in 1910 by Mary Kimball Morgan to educate Christian Science students. The school maintains a strong legacy of fostering self-reliance through its required work program, where undergraduates take on campus jobs like groundskeeping or dining services for 15 hours weekly. Students who thrive here often seek a tight-knit community with an international flavor—about one in five comes from abroad—and appreciate structured routines amid nature. Those wired for big-city bustle or independent schedules might find the remote setting and work commitments limiting. Elsah offers quiet village charm, with St. Louis an hour away for occasional escapes.

339
Undergrads
0
47.8%
Acceptance
81.0%
Grad Rate
Photos
Principia College » Tree9 Films
iconic campus entrance gate or sign
central quad or green space
historic or signature academic building
Principia College | SAH ARCHIPEDIA
Principia-chapel-LARGE2
Guarding tradition: Principia has lots of money but few Christian ...
Today, we're thrilled to unveil Principia College's brand refresh, a visual  identity that honors our legacy while embracing our future. Our new brand  identity was born from our rich archives, inspired by
Ludowici Tiles Protect & Preserve At Principia College | Ludowici Roof Tile
Principia College - Jersey County Business Association
Principia College | Data USA
Principia College Christian Science Organization
main administration building
Academics
6.0 : 1
Student-Faculty Ratio
83.0%
Retention Rate (Full-Time)
81.0%
6-Year Graduation Rate
67.0%
4-Year Graduation Rate
339
Undergraduate Enrollment
0
Graduate Enrollment
Admissions
47.8%
Acceptance Rate
3.30
Average GPA
Test Optional
Test Policy
$0
Application Fee
Test Score Range
SAT Math

495650

SAT Reading

475650

ACT Composite

1923

Check Your Fit

Enter your scores to see how you compare to admitted students at Principia College.

School avg: 3.30

0.00 – 4.00 scale

School range: 970–1300

400 – 1600 (total)

School range: 19–23

1 – 36 (composite)

Enter at least one score above to see your fit

Tip: Add all three scores for the most accurate estimate

This tool provides estimates based on academic metrics only. Actual admission decisions consider many factors including essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and more.
Financial Aid & Costs
Estimated Annual Cost

$46,110

Tuition + Room & Board + Books (before financial aid)
Cost Breakdown

Tuition

$31,200

Room & Board

$13,910

Books & Supplies

$1,000

Financial Aid
90%
Receiving Aid
0%
Pell Grant Recipients
$30,402
Avg Grant (recipients)
$7,500
Avg Federal Loan
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Campus Life
Housing

On-Campus Housing

Yes

Housing Capacity

529 beds

Housing Guarantee

Data not available

Dining

Meal Plan Available

No

Meal Plan Type

Data not available

Athletics
St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Quick Facts

Type

Private

Undergraduate Enrollment

339

Acceptance Rate

48%

Graduation Rate

81%

Tuition & Room/Board

$45,110

Elsah, IL 62028-9799

Rural: Fringe
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