Principia College

Founded on the principles of Christian Science, Principia College’s 2,600-acre campus on the bluffs of the Mississippi River is home to students from around the world and a variety of faith backgrounds. Principia College was just recently ranked the #1 Best Value National Liberal Arts College by US News and World Report.   

Our 2,600-acre campus—featuring the world’s largest collection of buildings designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck—sits atop limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Our residential campus welcomes students from around the country and the world from all faith backgrounds. 

We’re located in Elsah, Illinois, just 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Principia College boasts two field houses, a state-of-the-art Science Center, newly-renovated School of Nations, multiple performing arts spaces, a library with outstanding research and art collections, and a beautiful, stately limestone chapel.

Principia College provides a world of opportunity in a supportive community, focused on building character and honing skills for the betterment of humanity.  At Principia, students engage in a liberal arts curriculum that covers over 30 majors and minors. With our experiential approach to learning, your academic journey will be led by a team of dedicated and supportive faculty. Together they'll explore courses that weave intellectual challenges together with spiritual and moral guidance. We're a welcoming community, and our nurturing learning environment could be a perfect fit for you.

Our campus is open for admissions visits, public tours, and we host many events that are open to the community.  Sign up for a visit today!!