Principia College Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Principia College is 44.4%.  Its admission rate is the 7th lowest in Illinois.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Principia College and can you get accepted?

Principia College is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 119 out of the 268 who applied were admitted.

Principia College typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.34. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. Of those applicants who were admitted, 71% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.

Can you get into Principia College?

44% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Principia College you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.34 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1150 on the SAT
• Score 21 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top half of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Principia College?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Principia College are to have around a 3.34 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to Principia College will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Principia College is 3.34 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #36 in Illinois for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Principia College is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Principia College. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 38% of students submitted SAT scores and 20% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Principia College?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Principia College is 1150 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1040-1250. Students who get into Principia College score in the top 53 percent of all SAT test takers..  Principia College ranks #17 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1150 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Principia College regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1040 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1040, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 930, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Principia College is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1150 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1145, you have around a 44% chance of being admitted. A 1250 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 60% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Principia College?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Principia College is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 19 and 23.  The school ranks #35 in Illinois for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 19 and score in the score in the top 56 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 17.

20 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Principia College.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Principia College is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Principia College for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 44% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 60% with a 23 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

61% of Principia College freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 50% are in the top quarter.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Principia College is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Principia College and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Principia College is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.34 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1150 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1250 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 21 on the ACT places you in a strong position.