
Richmond, INprivate nonprofitearlham.edu
Earlham College is a small, Quaker-affiliated liberal arts school in Indiana that punches above its weight with a fiercely collaborative academic culture and an unusually high return on investment. Known for its standout science programs and 'best classroom experience' rankings, it attracts intellectually curious students who thrive in its tight-knit, socially conscious community.
Earlham's admissions process is moderately selective, with a 73% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and an early acceptance rate of 83.6%. The median SAT score for admitted students is 1180 (with 75th percentile at 1285), while the median ACT is 27. Most admitted students rank in the top 25% of their high school class (55%), with 26% in the top 10%. Notably, 95% of students receive financial aid, making it accessible despite its private college price tag.
Earlham offers 42 majors and 39 minors, with particularly strong programs in biological sciences (19% of graduates), business (15%), and psychology. The college is nationally recognized for undergraduate teaching, ranking in Princeton Review's top 20 for 'Best Classroom Experience.' Students can design independent majors, and the science departments—especially biochemistry—are standouts. The academic culture emphasizes close faculty mentorship, with economics emerging as the most popular major.
Campus life revolves around tight-knit communities, with 92% of students living on campus. Over 50 student organizations thrive, including cultural groups like the Black Student Union and Latin and Caribbean Student Association. The Quaker heritage fosters a socially conscious vibe—students describe Earlham as 'a spark for good in the world' in campus tours. Richmond, Indiana provides a quiet backdrop, making campus the hub for activities ranging from Quaker meetings to Division III athletics.
Within six months of graduation, 66% of Earlham alumni are employed—matching the national average for private colleges. The median early-career salary is $36,427, rising to $50,797 at the 10-year mark. The four-year graduation rate is 59%, climbing to 77% by six years. Earlham has been named a 'Best Value' college by Princeton Review for five consecutive years, reflecting its strong ROI for a liberal arts institution.
The sticker price is steep, but Earlham awards over $32 million annually in aid. The average financial aid package is $46,475, bringing the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $25,431 for most students. A remarkable 79.2% of students receive grants or scholarships, with average annual aid at $42,970. This aggressive aid strategy—coupled with the Princeton Review's 'Best Value' designation—makes Earlham surprisingly affordable for a private liberal arts college.
Earlham distinguishes itself through its Quaker-inspired ethos of collaborative inquiry and social responsibility. Unlike many small liberal arts colleges, it delivers top-tier science programs (notably biochemistry) alongside humanities strengths. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio fosters intense mentorship, while the 'Best Classroom Experience' recognition speaks to its engaging pedagogy. For students seeking a progressive, intellectually rigorous community where they can design their own path—with substantial financial support—Earlham is a hidden gem.