Principia College
United States • Founded 1912
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1912, the Principia College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small town of Elsah (population range of under 2,500 inhabitants), Illinois.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Principia College is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Principia College offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 112-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Principia College also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Principia College. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for Principia College: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Programs Offered
Principia College's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
35 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
How to apply to Principia College
What applying to Principia College typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Principia College runs 35 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check entry requirements
Before applying to Principia College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Principia College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.principiacollege.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (618) 374 2131. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Principia College
Quick answers to the most common questions about Principia College — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When did Principia College open?
Principia College traces its founding to 1912 (approximately 114 years ago).
What city is Principia College in?
Principia College operates from Elsah, United States.
What is Principia College's control type?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How big is Principia College's student body?
Principia College serves approximately 339 students.
Does Principia College have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Principia College is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.
Is Principia College accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Principia College?
Principia College's official website is www.principiacollege.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Principia College and the universities below are both members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant
Below: other Christian-Protestant-affiliated universities in the United States, alongside Principia College.
Faculties at nearby universities
The institutions below are geographically close to Principia College.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Below: other the United States universities that offer Social & Cultural Studies programmes.
Universities Compared with Principia College
Universities of a similar scale and standing to Principia College are listed below.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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