Principia College vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Principia College vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or DeSales 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 DeSales University ($18,248 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 0.8% lower than at Principia College ($13,800 vs. $13,910).
• DeSales University is 34.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $12,120 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at DeSales University than at Principia College (about $12,120 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 1.7% larger than aid received by Principia College students ($30,909 vs. $30,402).

Principia College vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Principia College or DeSales 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 DeSales University and Principia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Principia College (1150).
• Incoming DeSales University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DeSales University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and DeSales 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.