Your chances of getting into Principia College
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Principia College is 47.8%. 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, 100 out of the 209 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, 61% enrolled. This indicates that the school is a top choice for many students who apply.
Can you get into Principia College?
48% 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 1140 on the SAT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
Principia College GPA
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 2022
Principia College SAT Scores
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. 20% of students submitted SAT scores and 5% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 475 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 495 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 970 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 650 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 650 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1300 |
| Average SAT Score | 1140
|
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 1140 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 970-1300. Students who get into Principia College score in the top 66 percent of all SAT test takers.. Principia College ranks #16 in the state of Illinois for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1140 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Principia College regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 970 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 970, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 800, 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 1140 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance 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 1135, you have around a 48% chance of being admitted. A 1300 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 64% chance of getting in.
Principia College ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average ACT Score | N/A |
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.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 44% |
| Top 25% of class | 50% |
| Top 50% of class | 61% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 92 | 116 | 209 |
| Accepted | 41 | 58 | 100 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45% | 50% | 48% |
| Enrolled | 21 | 39 | 61 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 51% | 67% | 61% |
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?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | |
| Dual Credit | |
| Credit for Life Experiences |
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=148016 IPEDS survey data for Principia College.
Last updated February 24, 2024