Affordability

Can I afford a Principia College education?

Principia recognizes that a college education is a valuable investment.  We believe that a family’s financial circumstances should not be a barrier to accessing a Principia education.  Principia is committed to providing a comprehensive, need-based financial aid program that seeks to bring the college’s academic opportunities within reach of all students.

But College is Expensive, Right?

True, especially if you look at the sticker price alone, but Principia is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all students.  Use our Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of your net price and aid eligibility today!

Principia College offers institutional scholarships and need-based financial aid to help offset the cost of tuition, room and board and meet the full demonstrated financial need of all students. So, the actual cost to consider is what remains AFTER scholarships, grants, and loans have been applied. This remainder is often referred to as the net price. Your actual cost will be unique to you and tailored to your family’s situation, taking into consideration merit scholarship, demonstrated financial need levels, and other criteria.

What types of aid are available?

There are three main types of financial support you may qualify to receive. Your financial aid package may combine some or all of these items to help you cover the cost of your Principia education.

1. Scholarships (for first-time students and transfers)
   You are automatically considered for all academic merit scholarships when you complete your admissions application. Other affiliate scholarships may require separate application steps.  This information will be made available to you during the admissions process.  Scholarship money does not have to be repaid.
   Scholarships
2. Need-Based Grants
   Principia College does not use or accept any federal or state funding. Instead, we use our own institutional funding, and we award this money based on demonstrated financial need. This is also money that does not have to be repaid.
3. Need-Based Student Loans - $7,500 per year
   That’s the maximum loan amount that Principia awards per year to ensure that students don’t graduate with crushing levels of debt.
   
   Among Principia students who have taken out loans, their average four-year loan amount is around $25,000. The national average for college student loan debt in 2021 was reported to be around $37,014. (Source: credit.com)

Principia College is frequently recognized for value and affordability. Here are a few recent reviews and rankings:

Of course, an affordable education isn’t much of a bargain unless it comes with exceptional value—and students graduate from Principia with a long list of noteworthy accomplishments and are well prepared for wherever their journey takes them.

Bottom Line: We're Ready To Invest In You!