Principia College vs. Converse University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Converse University in Spartanburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Converse University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (1,787 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Converse University is in Spartanburg, SC (Small City setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Converse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Converse University 12:1.

Principia College vs. Converse University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or Converse University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Principia College than Converse University ($18,248 vs. $19,061).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Converse University are 3.8% lower than at Principia College ($13,380 vs. $13,910).
• Principia College is 37.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Converse University (about $9,440 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.4% higher at Principia College than at Converse University (about $9,440 more per year; $34,680.00 vs. $25,240.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Converse University than at Principia College (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Principia College students is 63.7% larger than aid received by Converse University students ($30,402 vs. $18,575).

Principia College vs. Converse University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or Converse University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Converse University and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 20 points higher than at Converse University (1130).
• Incoming Converse University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Converse University 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Converse University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Converse University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Converse University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Converse University students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Converse University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Converse University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.