Goshen College
Goshen College is a private nonprofit university in Goshen, IN ranked #323 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 761 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 88.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 78.2% first-year retention, and 60.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $15,725, about $1,273 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -31.3%, roughly 116.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $43,218. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Goshen College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Goshen College graduates 60.5% of students within six years and keeps 78.2% 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 Goshen College'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 | $37,760 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,320 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,800 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $47,206 |
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 37.4% of Goshen College students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $11,059 to $19,195 depending on family income. Use Goshen College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,823/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,195/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,218
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,218
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 82.0%
- Employment Rate 89.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Goshen College 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.
Goshen College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Goshen College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Goshen College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Goshen College graduates earn $43,218 median, the -31.3% 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 420-570
- SAT Math 430-563
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 761
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 78.2%
- Graduation Rate 60.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Goshen College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Goshen College 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 88.9%, Goshen College 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 88.9% acceptance rate, Goshen College 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 850 and 1133 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Goshen College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, and American Sign Language draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 21.0%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 7.2%
- American Sign Language 5.6%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 5.6%
- Social Work 4.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.6%
See more majors
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.1%
- Business/Commerce, General 4.1%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,776
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $119,558
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $119,558 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Goshen College. 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- American Sign Language (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Social Work (Bachelor's Degree, 9 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 (43 programs)▼
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- American Sign Language
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Music
- Sustainability Studies
- Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Psychology, General
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Communication and Media Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Mathematics
- Journalism
- Computer Science
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Marketing
- Engineering Physics
- Education, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Information Science/Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Management Information Systems and Services
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 761
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 36.9%
- Female Students 63.1%
- Caucasian 46.8%
- Asian 2.2%
- Hispanic 28.1%
- Black 5.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Goshen College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Goshen College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Goshen College 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 Goshen College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Goshen College has a diverse student body, with 46.8% identifying as White. Women make up 63.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Goshen College 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 Goshen College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Goshen College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -31.3% ROI. Ranked #323 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $15,725 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $43,218 median earnings. With 60.5% graduating within six years and 78.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Goshen College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #323 ranking, Goshen College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $15,725 annually, Goshen College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 78.2% 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 $11,008 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -31.3% ROI and $43,218 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $5,725+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Goshen College ranks #323 of 1971 institutions, with 557 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
- 60.5% six-year graduation rate sits 2.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.2% first-year retention is 1.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -31.3% return on investment is 116.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,218 run about 1% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,725 is roughly $4,174 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.0% employment rate within three years sits 20.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- 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
EDsmart rates Goshen College—a private nonprofit university in Goshen, IN—at B+ overall. It holds a #323 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B+, 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.
78.2% of learners come back after year one while 60.5% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -31.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $15,725 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $47,206.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,481 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.4% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $43,218 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 1% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 89.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -31.3%, 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
88.9% 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 Goshen College 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 Goshen, IN 46526-4794
- Website www.goshen.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$122.5M