Principia College is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Elsah, Illinois with 339 undergraduates. It has open admission and graduates 71% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Principia College acceptance rate and admissions
Principia College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
Principia College application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants ($75 for international applicants). Confirm dates on Principia College’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Principia College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $35,930 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $14,360 |
Principia College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Principia College majors and what graduates earn
Principia College awarded bachelor's degrees in 32 fields recently.
All 32 majors at Principia College
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Education | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Ecology and evolutionary biology | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Economics | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Music | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Theater | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Fine and studio arts | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Computer science | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International/Globalization Studies | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Sustainability Studies | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Philosophy | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Physics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Area Studies | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering Science | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Linguistics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| English | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Applied mathematics | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Political science | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Marketing | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| History | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Environmental science | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Romance languages | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Religious studies | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Dance | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Students and location
- 339 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 41% women, 59% men
- 6 students for every faculty member
- Setting: rural, near a city
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into Principia College?
No. Principia College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does Principia College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $35,930.
What is the graduation rate at Principia College?
71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
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More: all colleges in Illinois · Principia College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.