1. How large is your student body?
We are a solely undergraduate institution of approximately 2500 students.
2. What is the average GPA of an entering freshman?
3.71 unweighted
3.91 weighted
3.0 national average
3. What is the average SAT/ACT score? Do you have any minimum scores?
1250 (out of 1600)/28; GCC does not have any minimum scores.
4. What are the college's most popular majors?
Business, biology/pre-med, engineering, education.
5. What are the costs? Are there any hidden charges?
The annual charges for 2010-2011 are $20,220 which include tuition, room & board and a laptop computer. The college’s charges increase nominally--typically three to four percent each year. There are no hidden charges - extra expenses would include books.
6. How does GCC keep its tuition so reasonable?
GCC is a very well-managed school - it operates virtually debt-free.
7. Why does GCC operate independent of the government? What does that mean to a prospective student?
Grove City College does not accept federal funds of any type. This includes federal student aid (which Grove City offsets with private aid). Grove City maintains its independent stand in order to avoid federal regulation and preserve the integrity of its founding mission: to provide a quality education in a thoroughly Christian environment for and amazing value. How does this benefit students? Grove City College students receive a quality education, anchored by a nationally-recognized core curriculum, for a cost that is approximately less than half of the national average for four-year private colleges.
8. What are the financial aid programs and deadlines?
Our low tuition charges, in effect, provide a built-in scholarship for all students. However, a number of financial aid programs are available. These include the Trustee Merit Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, need-based scholarship, and the GCC Student Loan Program.
Once a student has applied for admission to the College, the student must complete the College's own financial aid form found under the Admissions tab in the Financial Aid section / Financial Aid Forms & Policies. The completed form and supporting documents must be returned to the Financial Aid Office by April 15 to be considered for need based aid. When a student submits a completed financial aid application they will normally receive an estimated award letter in time to make a decision to accept the Admissions offer by the May 1 deadline.
The FAFSA - a federal form - is not required for Grove City College need based aid but is required if a student is also applying for state grants such as PHEAA or other states that offer state grants that can be used in out of state schools.
To be considered for a Grove City College Student Loan, the application can be found on line at http://www.gcc.pnc.com/ and should be completed a minumum of 5 weeks prior to the billing due date.
For other private loans that are available please refer to the Student Loans page for more information.
9. How are applicants reviewed?
The admissions office considers the following criteria listed in order of importance: cumulative GPA & class rank (if applicable), curriculum, sat/act scores, interview, activities, essays, letters of recommendation.
10. When are the application deadlines?
Early Decision - November 15; Regular Decision - February 1
11. Is it easier to be accepted as an Early Decision applicant?
A hard question to answer! Half of the freshman class is accepted under early decision. Approximately 600 apply for early decision - out of nearly 1800 total applicants. The applicant pool varies each year. A student should apply early decision only if their top choice is GCC.
12. How many freshman return for their sophomore year? How many students graduate in 4 years?
93% return for sophomore year - the national average is 74%.
80% complete in 4 years- the national average is 41%.
13. Is there a placement department?
Yes, our innovative Career Services Department helps students to identify their talents and abilities during their freshman year and then build a four-year strategy to pursue a satisfying career. Its services include self-assessment testing, internship opportunities, job shadowing, career fairs, mock interviews, on-campus recruiting opportunities with over 160 companies, and more.
14. What is the job placement for a specific major?
Generally, the College’s placement rate is 85% for business, 94% for engineering, 85% for education. Overall job and graduate school placement rates range from 94-96% within in six months of graduation for graduating classes of 2005-2007. 89% of our 2009 graduates had a job or were in graduate school within in six months of graduation.
15. How many students go to graduate/medical school from GCC?
Within five years of graduation 50% of our students are pursuing a higher degree. Of the 23% that immediately continue their schooling, approximately 90% are accepted to graduate or medical schools.
16. What is the student to faculty ratio? Average class size?
16:1 (based on full-time faculty alone); 25 students.
17. What percentage of full time faculty have their Ph.D?
92%.
18. What is the academic calendar?
2 semesters, 2 intersessions.
19. What percentage of students are from out of state?
53%.
20. What percentage of students belong to a Greek group?
Approximately 15% of men, 24% of women.
21. How are community/college relations?
The community comes to GCC for chapel services, sporting events, special speakers, and performances. GCC students and faculty are very active in the community - food drives, tutoring, Young Life, etc.
22. How is the food?
The College provides 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. Many healthy entrees, salad bar, ala carte items, etc., are regularly included. The College contracts with Bon Appetit, a professional food preparation firm, to provide its food service.
23. Can I have a car my freshman year?
Freshmen are encouraged to wait until their sophomore year to bring a car on campus.
24. What is your accreditation?
Grove City College is fully accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools