Principia College vs. Berea College

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Berea College in Berea, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Berea College is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (1,527 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Berea College is in Berea, KY (Distant Town setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Berea College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Berea College 9:1.

Principia College vs. Berea College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or Berea College? 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 Berea College than Principia College ($5,888 vs. $18,248).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Berea College are 41% lower than at Principia College ($8,208 vs. $13,910).
• Berea College is 49% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $16,978 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49% higher at Berea College than at Principia College (about $16,978 more per year; $51,658.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Berea College than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Berea College students is 80.3% larger than aid received by Principia College students ($54,830 vs. $30,402).

Principia College vs. Berea College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or Berea College? 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 Berea College and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Berea College (1250) is 100 points higher than at Principia College (1150).
• Incoming Berea College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Berea College 1156/1335.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Berea College 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Berea College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Berea College Mar 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Berea College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Berea College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Berea College? 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.