Elizabethtown College

Etown offers 56 majors and 100+ minors, with standout programs in business, music, and interdisciplinary studies. The music major emphasizes performance, theory, and history, while the business program is among the most popular. The curriculum balances liberal arts with pre-professional tracks, supported by a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Unique offerings include interdisciplinary majors like Biological and Environmental Sciences and Asian Studies. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through research, internships, and cross-cultural study opportunities.

Life at Etown revolves around its residential campus, where 85% of students live (78% in college-owned housing). The 204-acre campus fosters a close-knit community, with students describing it as 'friendly' and 'supportive'. Activities range from research and internships to over 60 clubs and organizations. The Dean of Students office cultivates a 'culturally vibrant' environment, though some note the social scene is quieter compared to larger schools. Nearby Lancaster offers off-campus dining and entertainment, but most socializing happens on campus.

Etown outperforms national averages with a 69% four-year graduation rate (77% six-year), ranking in the 99th percentile among peers. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation. The college touts strong retention, with Forbes praising its 76% graduation rate for online human services students. Career support includes internships and research opportunities, though earnings lag slightly behind elite liberal arts colleges.

The total sticker price is $53,440, but the average net price drops to $27,019 after aid (65.74% of students receive assistance). Scholarships like the Excelsior ($21,500) and Founders ($18,500) significantly offset costs. Institutional grants average $6,500, and the college meets 100% of demonstrated need for some students. For precise estimates, the school recommends using its Net Price Calculator.

Elizabethtown combines the intimacy of a liberal arts college (12:1 ratio, 85% on-campus living) with practical outcomes (69% four-year grad rate). Its test-optional?Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. policy and $30M+ annual aid pool make it accessible, while programs like music and business blend creativity and career readiness. The campus culture is its secret sauce—students call it 'welcoming' and 'collaborative', with a vibe that’s more 'cozy' than 'competitive.' For those seeking a small-school feel with strong graduation metrics, Etown delivers.