Grove City College vs Covenant College

Grove City College and Covenant College, both esteemed Christian liberal arts institutions, offer unique educational experiences. Grove City, located in Pennsylvania, boasts a higher acceptance rate (84%) compared to Covenant's 74%. While Grove City's student body is predominantly White (86%), Covenant's is more diverse, with 56% White, 18% Hispanic, and 11% Black students. Both colleges excel in certain academic areas: Grove City is known for its engineering and business programs, while Covenant is recognized for its strong science and nursing programs. With similar graduation rates hovering around 70%, both institutions ensure their students are well-prepared for their careers. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more distinctions between these two exceptional colleges and make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Covenant College logo

Covenant College

Grove City College logo

Grove City College

Overview

Location Lookout Mountain, Georgia Grove City, Pennsylvania
Campus setting Rural: Fringe Town: Distant
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 and Graduate
Students retention rate 83.0% 89.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation Presbyterian Undenominational

Admission

Acceptance rate 88.5% 72.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $50
$50
SAT range 1070 - 1300 1130 - 1382
ACT range 23 - 29 23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 34.0% 49.0%
Students submitting ACT score 45.0% 22.0%
Total number of applicants 794 2,082
Total number of admissions given out 703 1,511
Admitted students who chose to enroll 266 618
Yield rate 37.8% 40.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $50,030 $31,840
Average net price $25,536 $21,846
Tuition $36,700 $19,310
Room & board $11,300 $10,680
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $25,140
67.0%
Average amount $8,807
Students receiving federal student loan 51.0%
Average amount $5,496
0.0%
Average amount $0
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $12,986
30.0%
Average amount $14,341

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 872
Men 46.7% Women 53.3%
2,306
Men 51.6% Women 48.4%
Graduate students 42
Men 28.6% Women 71.4%
11
Men 63.6% Women 36.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 63.4% 51.2%
International students 2.6% 1.0%
Campus local/setting Rural: Fringe Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity 807 2,249
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Georgia Tennessee Florida Alabama Texas Pennsylvania Ohio New York Virginia Michigan

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • English Language and Literature
  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • English Language and Literature
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 72.9% 87.5%
Dropout rate 5.8% 6.1%
Transferred out 21.3% 6.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,172
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $34,231
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $20,687
  • Year 3: N/A
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $28,478
  • Year 2: $24,369
  • Year 3: N/A
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,105
  • Year 2: $30,771
  • Year 3: N/A
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


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

    Grove City College is historically affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), though it maintains a non-denominational Christian environment. Covenant College is directly affiliated with the PCA.

  • How do the academic programs at Grove City College and Covenant College compare?

    Both colleges offer a strong liberal arts education. Grove City College is known for its business, engineering, and pre-professional programs, while Covenant College emphasizes a more traditional liberal arts curriculum with a strong emphasis on biblical studies and theology. Covenant College also has a notable focus on the integration of faith and learning across all disciplines.

  • What is the student body size and campus environment like at each college?

    Grove City College has a larger student body, typically around 2,400 students, and a more traditional college town setting. Covenant College has a smaller student body, around 1,000 students, and is located on Lookout Mountain, offering a unique and scenic campus environment.

  • How do the costs of attendance compare between Grove City College and Covenant College?

    Grove City College is generally known for its lower tuition costs compared to many private colleges, making it a more affordable option. Covenant College's tuition is also competitive, but may be slightly higher. It's best to check the most recent tuition and fees on each college's website for the most accurate comparison.

  • What are the key differences in the campus culture and student life?

    Both colleges foster a strong Christian community. Grove City College has a more diverse student body in terms of backgrounds, while Covenant College's culture is more closely tied to its PCA affiliation. Covenant College emphasizes community and discipleship, while Grove City College offers a wider range of extracurricular activities due to its larger size. Both colleges offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic opportunities.

  • What are the strengths of Grove City College?

    Grove City College excels in providing a strong, affordable education with a focus on practical skills and career preparation, particularly in business, engineering, and pre-professional fields. Its larger size allows for a wider range of academic and extracurricular options.

  • What are the strengths of Covenant College?

    Covenant College is strong in its commitment to integrating faith and learning, fostering a close-knit community, and providing a rigorous liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on biblical studies and theology. Its location on Lookout Mountain offers a unique and inspiring environment.

  • How do the graduation rates and career outcomes compare?

    Both colleges have good graduation rates. Grove City College often boasts strong career placement rates, particularly in business and engineering. Covenant College graduates are well-prepared for graduate school and careers in various fields, with a strong emphasis on vocational discernment and service.

  • Which college is a better fit for me if I am looking for a strong Christian community?

    Both colleges offer a strong Christian community. Covenant College's community is more explicitly tied to its PCA affiliation, which may be a better fit if you are seeking a more theologically focused environment. Grove City College also has a strong Christian community, but it is more diverse in terms of denominational backgrounds.

  • How do the locations of Grove City College and Covenant College differ?

    Grove City College is located in Grove City, Pennsylvania, a small town setting. Covenant College is located on Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, offering a unique mountain environment with access to a larger city.

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