Prescott College
Prescott College has an acceptance rate of 94.5%, annual tuition of $35,685, average net price of $22,583, and a national rank of #1142 (Grade B-), with a 55.6% six-year graduation rate, about 219 undergraduates, and median earnings of $33,539 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Prescott College is a private nonprofit university in Prescott, AZ. Students most often pursue Psychology and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and 73.9% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -62.9%, roughly 148.2 points below typical outcomes. 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 Prescott College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Prescott College graduates 55.6% of students within six years and keeps 73.9% 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 Prescott 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 | $35,685 |
| Books and Supplies | $474 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,902 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,858 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,532 |
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 41.6% of Prescott College students receive Pell Grants — above 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 $22,542 to $25,444 depending on family income. Use Prescott College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,832/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,444/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $33,539
- 10-Year Median Earnings $33,539
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.5%
- Employment Rate 73.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Prescott 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.
Prescott College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Prescott College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Prescott College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Prescott College graduates earn $33,539 median, the -62.9% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 219
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 73.9%
- Graduation Rate 55.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Prescott College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Prescott 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 94.5%, Prescott 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 94.5% acceptance rate, Prescott College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Prescott College undergraduates. Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Psychology, General, and Social Sciences, Other draw the most students.
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 29.5%
- Psychology, General 28.7%
- Social Sciences, Other 10.7%
- Outdoor Education 5.7%
- Special Education and Teaching 4.9%
- Sustainability Studies 4.9%
See more majors
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 4.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 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. Psychology, General $29,888
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $54,860
- 2. Community Organization and Advocacy (Master's Degree) $44,151
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods programs lead with $54,860 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Prescott College. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 219
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 27.9%
- Female Students 72.2%
- Caucasian 63.9%
- Asian 5.5%
- Hispanic 8.7%
- Black 1.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 41.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Prescott College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Prescott College's undergraduate population. Women make up 72.2% of the student body, while men represent 27.9%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Prescott 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 Prescott College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 72.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Prescott 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 Prescott College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Prescott College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -62.9% ROI. Ranked #1142 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,583 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $33,539 median earnings. With 55.6% graduating within six years and 73.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Prescott College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1142 ranking, Prescott College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,583 annually, Prescott College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 73.9% 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 $15,808 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -62.9% ROI and $33,539 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,583+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Prescott College ranks #1142 of 6101 institutions, with 1436 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
- 55.6% six-year graduation rate sits 6.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 73.9% first-year retention is 2.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -62.9% return on investment is 148.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $33,539 run about 23% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,583 is roughly $5,186 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 73.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 73.0% employment rate within three years sits 4.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,583 is about $5,186 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- 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
Prescott College is a private nonprofit university based in Prescott, AZ and earns a B- overall grade. It holds a #1142 national ranking Category results include Completion (B), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (C), 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.
About 73.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 55.6% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -62.9% 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 $22,583 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,532.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $25,949 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 41.6% 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 $33,539 six years after entry. This is roughly 23% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 73.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -62.9%, 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
94.5% 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 Prescott 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
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Arizona campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prescott College's acceptance rate?
Prescott College's acceptance rate is 94.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Prescott College cost?
At Prescott College, listed tuition and fees are $35,685 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,583. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Prescott College's ranking?
Prescott College ranks #1142 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Prescott College's graduation rate?
At Prescott College, the six-year graduation rate is 55.6%, and first-year retention is 73.9%.
What are Prescott College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Prescott College report median earnings of $33,539 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Prescott College's student population?
Prescott College enrolls about 219 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Prescott, AZ 86301
- Website prescott.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$2.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.4%