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Visit Principia College
There is no better way to experience Principia College than to visit campus. Grab a pub shake
at the Piasa Pub and engage with current students. Meet with professors and coaches and participate
in social activities. Take in the breathtaking view of the Mississippi River from our bluffs and relax in one of
our famous Maybeck-designed dorms.
Earn a Campus Visit Grant
New, first-time freshmen or transfer students enrolling in Fall 2026 or later are eligible for a Campus Visit Grant of up to $2,000 ($500 per year, renewable up to four years).
Receiving the grant is simple:
- Schedule and attend an official on-campus visit through the Office of Admissions. If scheduling a visit through Athletics, request to have your coach schedule a meeting with an Admissions representative.
- Visit between September 1 of your junior year and May 31 of your senior year before enrolling as a first-year freshman. Transfer students should visit by December 15 for spring enrollment and July 1 for fall enrollment.
- Apply for Principia College Admission.
- No separate application for the Grant is necessary – upon admission to Principia College and record of your official* on-campus visit, the Campus Visit Grant will be included in your financial aid award.
*Unscheduled visits or other unofficial events are not eligible for the Grant.
Visit FAQs
Visiting campus is one of the best ways to experience Principia firsthand, whether you’re just exploring, applying, or have already been admitted. You’ll meet faculty and students, explore residential houses, and see how our mission and approach shape daily life. Visiting at any stage of your journey helps you envision life at Principia, ask questions in real time, and feel confident about your next steps. Schedule your campus visit.
Most visits include a student-led campus tour, time with an admissions counselor, and opportunities to explore residential houses, athletic facilities, academic spaces, and see firsthand the programs and activities our busy college has to offer. Depending on your schedule, you may also be able to attend a class, meet a professor, or speak with a coach. Our goal is to help you experience campus, not just see it.
During our one-on-one tours, students and parents spend about 90 minutes with a member of our admissions team. Our open house events typically run from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Both of these visit opportunities give students and families the opportunity to explore our expansive campus, and learn about our academic programs, internships, performing and visual arts, athletics, clubs, financial aid, and how to apply.
Families are encouraged to visit with their students. Choosing a college is a shared decision, and we welcome parents, guardians, and supporters to ask questions, tour campus, and learn more alongside the student.
Principia’s residential campus has a staffed entrance designed to support the safety and well-being of students and visitors. When you arrive, simply tell the attendant you’re visiting the College. They’ll warmly welcome you, provide a campus map if needed, and guide you to your destination. The process is quick and friendly, and visitors are welcomed every day.
Yes—many students visit before applying. In fact, visiting early can help you decide whether Principia feels like the right fit and helps shape your college search with confidence.
Yes. If you’re unable to travel, you can explore Principia College's campus sites right now from wherever you are through a virtual tour
Overnight visit opportunities are available at certain times of the year for admitted students to experience residence hall life, meet current students, and get a deeper sense of the community. Contact Admissions to learn about overnight options.
There’s no wrong time to visit. Many students choose to visit while classes are in session to experience the full academic environment, while others prefer quieter summer visits to explore campus more casually. We welcome visitors year-round.
You can schedule your visit online in just a few minutes. Once registered, you’ll receive confirmation details, directions, and information to help you prepare for your time on campus.
