Private not-for-profit

Small

Principia College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1060 to 1190

ACT Range21 to 26

Average GPA3.63

Acceptance Rate43%

Principia requires test scores, so your SAT or ACT result is a central part of the decision, not a bonus. With a 43% admit rate, aim toward the top of the middle range: about a 1190 SAT, or a 26 ACT, paired with grades near the 3.63 average.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Principia College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Principia College is a small rural institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 339 students. Principia has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 75% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. Principia is test-required for admissions.

Location

Elsah, IL

Undergrad Enrollment339

Freshman Retention82%

SettingRural

Student to Faculty Ratio6:1

Graduation Rate75%

Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Principia?

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Key Principia College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

June 15

Early Action

December 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

March 3

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Since Principia is test-required, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes to improve a superscore. Because the Early Action deadline is December 1, an October retake is the safest last fall test date to have scores arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Principia is a private not-for-profit, so the same $34,680 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. With 90% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $12,000, scholarships can play a meaningful role. The FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

Tuition and Fees$34,680

Room and Board$13,910

Average Merit Award$12,000

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid90%

Average Aid Package$30,402

Average Debt at GradN/A

Principia’s listed cost of attendance is about $48,590, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is common, with 90% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $30,402. Merit scholarships average $12,000, which can significantly reduce the amount families pay out of pocket.