Grove City College vs Patrick Henry College

Grove City College and Patrick Henry College, both esteemed private institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Grove City, rooted in the Reformed Christian tradition, boasts a 98% acceptance rate, while Patrick Henry, known for its classical liberal arts curriculum, maintains a more selective 48% acceptance rate. While Grove City's student body is predominantly white (86%) and female (58%), Patrick Henry's student population is more diverse, with a higher percentage of male students (56%) and a more balanced racial makeup. Both colleges excel in preparing students for successful careers, with Grove City boasting a 96% placement rate within six months of graduation and Patrick Henry achieving a 100% placement rate. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique offerings and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Grove City College logo

Grove City College

Patrick Henry College logo

Patrick Henry College

Overview

Location Grove City, Pennsylvania Purcellville, Virginia
Campus setting Town: Distant Town: Fringe
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate 89.0% 91.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Undenominational

Admission

Acceptance rate 72.6% 82.4%
Application fees $50 $40
SAT range 1130 - 1382 1170 - 1408
ACT range 23 - 30 27 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 49.0% 67.0%
Students submitting ACT score 22.0% 44.0%
Total number of applicants 2,082 239
Total number of admissions given out 1,511 197
Admitted students who chose to enroll 618 105
Yield rate 40.9% 53.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $31,840 $38,325
Average net price $21,846 $25,430
Tuition $19,310 $28,400
Room & board $10,680
Room/dormitory: $5,000

Meal plan: $6,020
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

67.0%
Average amount $8,807
95.0%
Average amount $13,947
Students receiving federal student loan 0.0%
Average amount $0
0.0%
Average amount $0
Students taking out private loans 30.0%
Average amount $14,341
12.0%
Average amount $20,509

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,306
Men 51.6% Women 48.4%
387
Men 50.4% Women 49.6%
Graduate students 11
Men 63.6% Women 36.4%
N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 51.2% N/A
International students 1.0% N/A
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity 2,249 295
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Pennsylvania Ohio New York Virginia Michigan N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • English Language and Literature
  • Military Technologies
  • Social Sciences
  • Liberal Arts
  • Communication and Journalism
  • English Language and Literature
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.5% 71.0%
Dropout rate 6.1% 27.5%
Transferred out 6.2% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) N/A N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Grove City College and Patrick Henry College?

    Grove City College is historically affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, though it is now independent and welcomes students of all faiths. Patrick Henry College is explicitly evangelical Christian, with a strong emphasis on biblical worldview integration in all aspects of the college experience.

  • How do the academic focuses of Grove City College and Patrick Henry College differ?

    Grove City College offers a broad liberal arts education with a focus on preparing students for a variety of careers. It has strong programs in business, engineering, and education. Patrick Henry College, on the other hand, specializes in a classical liberal arts education with a focus on law, government, and strategic communication, aiming to equip students for leadership roles in these fields.

  • What is the typical student body like at Grove City College and Patrick Henry College?

    Grove City College attracts a diverse student body, though it tends to be more conservative. Patrick Henry College has a more homogenous student body, primarily composed of evangelical Christians who are politically conservative and often homeschooled or from private Christian schools.

  • How do the campus cultures of Grove City College and Patrick Henry College compare?

    Grove City College has a more traditional college atmosphere with a wider range of extracurricular activities, including Greek life and Division III athletics. Patrick Henry College fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on Christian fellowship, debate, and political engagement. The social life at Patrick Henry College is more structured and centered around faith-based activities.

  • What are the costs associated with attending Grove City College and Patrick Henry College?

    Both colleges are known for their relatively affordable tuition compared to other private institutions. However, the specific costs can vary. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fees information on each college's website, as well as explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

  • What are the career prospects for graduates of Grove City College and Patrick Henry College?

    Grove City College graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers, particularly in business, engineering, and education. Patrick Henry College graduates are often sought after for positions in law, government, political activism, and strategic communication. They also frequently pursue graduate studies in these fields.

  • How do the admissions processes of Grove City College and Patrick Henry College differ?

    Both colleges are selective, but the emphasis in the admissions process differs. Grove City College considers a student's academic record, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. Patrick Henry College places a strong emphasis on a student's Christian faith, commitment to a biblical worldview, and demonstrated leadership potential, in addition to academic qualifications.

  • What is the location and setting of Grove City College and Patrick Henry College?

    Grove City College is located in a small town in western Pennsylvania, offering a traditional college town experience. Patrick Henry College is situated in Purcellville, Virginia, a more rural setting in close proximity to Washington, D.C., providing students with opportunities for internships and political engagement.

  • Which college is better for students seeking a strong emphasis on faith integration?

    Patrick Henry College is the clear choice for students seeking a college experience deeply rooted in Christian faith and a biblical worldview. While Grove City College welcomes students of all faiths, its emphasis on faith integration is less pronounced than at Patrick Henry College.

  • Which college is better for students interested in a broader range of academic and career options?

    Grove City College offers a wider array of academic programs and career paths, making it a better fit for students who are unsure of their specific career goals or who are interested in fields outside of law, government, and strategic communication.