Overview
Collegeville, PA 
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From Ursinus
Each day at Ursinus, you get another opportunity to begin. What you should know is this: Ursinus is a place where you’re allowed to try and fail, explore and examine, open up and drill down. Here, any one or combination of 60 majors and minors develop the intellect and character needed for a rapidly changing world. Starting with a thought-provoking first-year seminar course, students develop the ability to think critically, leading to lives of purpose and professional achievement.
Top-ranked for financial access and graduate satisfaction, Ursinus College is an undergraduate liberal arts college 25 miles from Philadelphia. With 1,500 students, the tree-lined, 170-acre campus is a 154-year-old start-up with a vision to make personalized, undergraduate education more valuable and affordable than ever. One of the nation’s “Colleges That Change Lives,” we help our students think beyond majors to combine disciplines and passions, and become more than they ever thought they could.
Ursinus offers financial assistance based on both merit and financial qualifications. Our merit scholarships are valued at up to $40,000 annually, and are based on academic, extracurricular and talent-based achievements.
Events & Resources
Open Houses
Whether it’s your first time on campus, or you’ve been here before, you’ll find new things to love about Ursinus during an upcoming Open House. We hold them several times throughout the year, so you can choose the event that works for your college search!
Daily Visits
Whether you choose a Monday-Friday visit, a Saturday session or a Twilight Tour, the on-campus visit covers the “bear necessities” of Ursinus!
Specialty Scholarships at Ursinus
All admitted students will be automatically reviewed to receive up to $40,000/year in merit awards. In addition, we offer 13 application-based specialty scholarships for you to pursue your passions! Whether you’re a budding performer or a science scholar, committed to the community or honing your perfect Shark Tank pitch, chances are, we’ve got a scholarship for you.
Starting Your College Search
We’re here to make your college search simple, fun and deliver some useful information along the way. So while you’re on a journey of exploration and discovery, we’ll be right here beside you, helping you find your perfect fit.
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Scholarships & Financial Aid
Affordability Overview
From Ursinus
Ursinus is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible to all students, no matter their situation. That’s why we offer both merit and specialty scholarships of up to $40,000/year based on academic performance and interests you’re passionate about, as well as need-based financial aid—all of which add up to make a priceless education surprisingly affordable!
In fact, 99 percent of all Ursinus students receive some form of assistance. For 2023-2024 Ursinus administered over $82 million in financial aid—nearly $56 million in the form of institutional scholarships and grants that do not have to be repaid.
Scholarships Overview
From Ursinus
You may think you need to sacrifice what you truly want out of your college experience for a more affordable price tag. At Ursinus, you can have both. Last year, the average institutional aid awarded by the college was $39,659!
Ursinus offers financial assistance based on both merit and financial qualifications. Our merit scholarships are valued at up to $40,000 annually, and are based on academic, extracurricular and talent-based achievements.
Here’s how we make the best affordable:
$75,962
$44,469
$31,493
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$75,962for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
The sticker price at Ursinus is $75,962. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Ursinus would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Ursinus College Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Ursinus College need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Ursinus College is 003385.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at Ursinus
Pennsylvania residents considering Ursinus should be sure to look at Pennsylvania state grant programs. Two of the biggest educational grant programs in PA are PHEAA and TIP. PHEAA offers funding for Pennsylvania students who are enrolled at least half-time in an institution and program approved by PHEAA. Students must meet certain academic and financial criteria in order to qualify. TIP, also known as PA-TIP, offers funding to students pursuing a degree in a field that the state designates as high-demand. Here are those fields in 2024:
- Energy
- Health
- Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing
- Agriculture and Food Production
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more Pennsylvania scholarships
Colleges that Change Lives
Ursinus is a member of the Colleges that Change Lives coalition. This is a coalition based on Loren Pope’s 1996 book about colleges that provide an education that is valuable beyond the numbers. There are many types of schools on this list, but the organization has vetted each school to ensure it is student-friendly, offering small classes and individual attention to each pupil. These schools also tend to take a holistic approach to admissions and demonstrate strong outcomes for their alumni. Schools on this list have all undergone a thorough review to ensure that they provide a quality education to their students.
Pell Grants at Ursinus College
18% of students at Ursinus College receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Ursinus College.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Ursinus students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions
Admissions Overview
From Ursinus
This is Ursinus College. Where we approach education with purpose and intention.
Where it’s easy to find a friendly face. Where our community is more than campus deep. Where we seek answers by asking more questions…and then go deeper by reflecting on those answers.
So let’s get started! When you’re ready to start your journey, you can apply to
Ursinus for free via the Common Application or via Coalition with Scoir, beginning August 1 of your senior year of high school. Ursinus is test-optional, and there’s no supplemental application, unless you are applying for one of our specialty scholarships (but you’ll want to check those out; they’re worth it!). We encourage you to visit Ursinus throughout the year and to stay in touch with your admission counselor who is here to help guide you through the entire admission process.
82%
30
Coalition Colleges
Ursinus is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Ursinus via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is Ursinus test-optional?
Ursinus College is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Early Decision II
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Ursinus?
Students must apply by February 29 to enroll at Ursinus during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Ursinus students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by December 1.
You can also choose to apply Early Decision II, with a later deadline of February 1.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Ursinus, remember that the deadline is November 7.
Should I apply Regular or Early Decision to Ursinus?
Applying to Ursinus with Early Decision can be a great decision if you are 100% sure you want to go there. You’ll find out your admissions decision earlier than other students, and some data shows that you may help your admissions chances. However, you should keep in mind that Early Decision is binding. If you do get into the school, you won’t be able to change your mind later. If there is any doubt in your mind, you should apply Early Action or Regular Decision instead.
Read more: All you need to know about Early Action vs Early Decision
Should I apply Early Action at Ursinus?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
10:1
Graduation Rate
73%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
35%
35% of graduates
Social Sciences
21%
21% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
13%
13% of graduates
Psychology
7%
7% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
English Language & Literature
4%
4% of graduates
Physical Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
3% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
2%
2% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
1,505
Pell Grant 19%
Undergrad Students Over 25 1%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 0%
Percent Male / Female 52% / 48%
Ethnic Diversity at Ursinus
75% White
7% Black
7% Hispanic
4% Multiracial
3% Asian / Pacific Islander
2% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes Overview
From Ursinus
When you choose a college, you not only invest your time and money. You invest your hopes and dreams. We understand you want big returns on that investment. Everything we do here is for you. Your experience. Your transformation. Your future. That’s why within six months of graduating, 97% of graduates are employed, attending graduate or professional school full time, completing a fellowship, or engaged in a year of service.
They become Rhodes Scholars, news anchors, community builders, frontier physicists and biomedical wunderkinds. It’s why Forbes named us among the nation’s top colleges when it comes to graduate satisfaction.
Graduate Income
$73,721
Median Debt $27,000
Debt 10 years after graduation $286
Graduation Rate 73%
What is the graduation rate at Ursinus College?
73% of students who start at Ursinus College end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 15% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Ursinus College go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Ursinus College, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $73,721. This is $23,330 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Ursinus take out in loans?
Graduates of Ursinus have to take out a median of $27,000 in federal student loans. This is $13,500 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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Ursinus College
