Grace College and Theological Seminary
Grace College and Theological Seminary is a private nonprofit university in Winona Lake, IN ranked #1009 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,511 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 80.8%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, 80.4% first-year retention, and 69.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,406, about $1,408 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -43.7%, roughly 129.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,463. That's about $2,225 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Grace College and Theological Seminary Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates 69.9% of students within six years and keeps 80.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Grace College and Theological Seminary's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $30,034 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,712 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $40,539 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 28.7% of Grace College and Theological Seminary students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,409 to $26,101 depending on family income. Use Grace College and Theological Seminary's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,537/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,101/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,463
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,463
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.8%
- Employment Rate 86.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Grace College and Theological Seminary vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Grace College and Theological Seminary's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Grace College and Theological Seminary's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Grace College and Theological Seminary graduates earn $41,463 median, the -43.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 480-600
- SAT Math 470-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,511
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 80.4%
- Graduation Rate 69.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 23:1
How to Get Into Grace College and Theological Seminary
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Grace College and Theological Seminary requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 80.8%, Grace College and Theological Seminary is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 80.8% acceptance rate, Grace College and Theological Seminary is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 950 and 1200 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Grace College and Theological Seminary undergraduates. Psychology, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 8.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.8%
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries 6.6%
- Bible/Biblical Studies 5.9%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.9%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $68,991
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $54,568
- 3. Marketing $51,513
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries $50,451
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $45,869
- 6. Bible/Biblical Studies $43,475
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $42,350
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $41,955
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $40,842
- 10. Psychology, General $39,491
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $54,982
- 2. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $52,325
- 3. Bible/Biblical Studies (Master's Degree) $46,395
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Master's Degree) $43,966
- 5. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $43,648
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $68,991—75% more than Psychology, General ($39,491). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $54,982 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Grace College and Theological Seminary. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (48 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Human Services, General
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Physics
- Music
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Business
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- Systems Science and Theory
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- History
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Journalism
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Chemistry
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Education, Other
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Systems Science and Theory
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,511
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.3%
- Female Students 60.7%
- Caucasian 80.6%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 7.0%
- Black 2.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Grace College and Theological Seminary's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Grace College and Theological Seminary's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Grace College and Theological Seminary support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Grace College and Theological Seminary, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 80.6% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 60.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Grace College and Theological Seminary support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Grace College and Theological Seminary, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Grace College and Theological Seminary offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -43.7% ROI. Ranked #1009 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,406 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $41,463 median earnings. With 69.9% graduating within six years and 80.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Grace College and Theological Seminary's Positioning
With a B grade and #1009 ranking, Grace College and Theological Seminary competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,406 annually, Grace College and Theological Seminary charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 80.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $12,884 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -43.7% ROI and $41,463 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,406+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Grace College and Theological Seminary ranks #1009 of 1966 institutions, with 870 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 69.9% six-year graduation rate sits 7.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.4% first-year retention is 3.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -43.7% return on investment is 129.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,463 run about 5% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,406 is roughly $1,504 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 23:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.4% employment rate within three years sits 18.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 28.7% trails the national share by 4.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College and Theological Seminary operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #1009 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 80.4% retention and 69.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -43.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,406 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $40,539.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,133 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $41,463 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 5% lower.
Roughly 86.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -43.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
80.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Grace College and Theological Seminary admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Winona Lake, IN 46590-1274
- Website www.grace.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$23.8M