Gettysburg College

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Average Rating: 58.7 Average Consensus: 69 Average Review: 76.8
67.9
College Consensus
AVERAGE: 69
56.9
Publisher Consensus
AVERAGE: 58.7
78.9
Student Consensus
AVERAGE: 76.8
Scores last updated on January 6, 2024
56%
Percent Admitted
80%
4-year Graduation Rate
2,854
Enrollment
10.0:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
$41,523
Average Undergraduate Students Aid
$61,760
In-State Tuition and Fees
$61,760
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees
= Average
Sector
Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable

Located 35 miles from the state capitol, Gettysburg College is a private, 4-year school in Gettysburg, PA. The 225 acre campus sits adjacent to the historic Gettysburg Battlefield – and shares much history with that national landmark. Founded as Pennsylvania College in 1832, the school adopted the name of the town as its own name in 1921. Future president Dwight Eisenhower was affiliated with the school early in his military career (serving on the Board of Trustee); notable alumni include several local politicians and businessmen as well as Ron Paul. The close proximity of the campus to the historic battlefield yield two interesting facts: one dormitory was used as a signal corps station and field hospital – for BOTH sides during the battle! Also, students were dismissed from classes to attend the benediction of the battlefield which included president Lincoln’s famous “Gettysburg Address.”

Academic Programs

Gettysburg College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers Bachelor’s degrees in over 50 majors. While the school has received special recognition for its Music program, the largest study program is Social Sciences (Economics and Political Science). Gettysburg College has partnered with four other schools (Columbia, RPI, Washington & Pittsburgh) to offer a 5-year dual degree (BA/BS) in Engineering and Liberal Arts. According to the Mission Statement, Gettysburg College “prepares students to be active leaders and participants in a changing world.” This mission is based on the core values of the institution which include: accepting the worth and dignity of all people and the limitless value of their intellectual potential; development of critical thinking skills, broad vision, effective communications, a sense of the inter-relatedness of all knowledge, sensitivity to the human condition, and a global perspective; the free and open marketplace of ideas and the exploration of the ethical and spiritual dimensions of those ideas; the value of a lifelong commitment to service.

Student Life

Campus life at Gettysburg is full of opportunities for involvement. There are over 120 clubs based on interest, affinity group, field of study and diversity. Gettysburg emphasizes diversity on campus with several clubs and organizations targeting various elements and perspectives about people’s differences. Among these organizations are the Painted Turtle Farm, an organic garden project which focuses on food justice, and the Social Justice Institute which engages in dialog about various cultural issues of the day. Campus housing includes 6 traditional-style dormitories as well as suites, apartments and Greek housing options. The orange and blue Gettysburg Bullets participate in NCAA Division III athletics in 13 sports; there are many club sports and Intramurals for the non-varsity athlete to engage in also. Because of the close geography with history, there is a “Gettysburg Semester” of in-depth study of the Civil War. Traditions include a “First Year Walk” where incoming students follow the 1-mile path to the location of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to hear the speech reenacted; there is also the “Twilight Walk” where students finishing their first semester are hailed by upperclassmen and welcomed into the status of alumni.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?