Gettysburg is a national college of liberal arts and sciences located in the world-famous town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Our 2,600 students are actively involved in an academically rigorous and personally challenging educational experience. With an average class size of 17 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, everyone plays a role. At Gettysburg College, learning often means doing— doing everything. Students engage in cutting edge research, study across the globe, and serve the community of Gettysburg and beyond. There are no bystanders here.
Gettysburg is a place of variety and diversity, a community where every student has the chance to stand out, take responsibility, and lead. In addition to leading more than 120 student clubs and campus organizations, "Gettysburgians" are mindful of their responsibilities as global citizens. Nearly 60 percent of the student body pursues at least one of the College's extensive study abroad programs, and many become involved with Gettysburg's Center for Public Service.
Gettysburg College inspires students to be great. From the very first semester, when incoming Gettysburg students take an intensive First-Year Seminar, students analyze, discuss, debate, and present. They often collaborate and conduct research with the College's faculty, and they leave Gettysburg prepared to make discoveries, inspire others, and lead lives of impact.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Campus Visit Manager
300 North Washington Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Experience College Life
Musselman Library
College Union Building/Janet Morgan Riggs Student Center
Science Center
John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness
Boutique shopping and dining in downtown Gettysburg
Easy access to Washington, D.C.
Easy access to Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Appalachian Trail
Campus Tours
8:30am-5pm; 9:30am-1:00pm
800-431-0803
Dates: Year-round
Times: available on the hour
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
- If Gettysburg is your first choice, you are strongly encouraged to apply for Early Decision (ED) admission. Gettysburg offers two Early Decision deadline dates; the ED I application deadline is November 15 and the ED II deadline is January 15. Early Decision admissions decisions are released in student portals and mailed within one month of the deadline date. Regular Decision applications are due by January 15.
- The admissions process at Gettysburg is highly selective and the admissions staff gives careful consideration to each application. We expect students to make the most of the academic offerings of their high school. Participation in a solid college preparatory program with enriched, accelerated, and advanced placement courses is expected. Grades in academic courses, quality and distribution of subjects, and rank in class (when applicable) are highly significant parts of the applicant's credentials.
- The College is also very interested in individuals of character who will make positive contributions to the campus community and beyond. In estimating such qualities, we rely on what students say about themselves through essays, along with the recommendations from secondary school counselors and teachers. In-depth involvement in extracurricular and community service activities both inside and outside of school is favorably considered in the admissions process.
- An admissions interview is strongly recommended, but not required. Interviews are available from April 1 of the junior year through early February of the senior year. Students applying to the Sunderman Conservatory of Music are required to audition.
- Standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT exams are reviewed in the overall context of a student's application and academic record. If a student has taken the SAT or ACT more than once, only their highest section scores across all test dates will be considered as part of the final admissions decision. Gettysburg College accepts self-reported scores on the Common Application. SAT II exams are not required. Strong students who believe that standardized test scores do not accurately reflect the strength of their academic achievements can choose to be considered as test optional in the admissions process.
Overview
SAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 15
Early Decision II — January 15
Early Action — December 1
Regular — January 15
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Recommendation(s)
Selectivity Rating
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Gettysburg's strong academic tradition is rooted in a rigorous liberal arts and science curriculum. The College augments academic excellence with community responsibility and global experiences, provides leadership opportunities and engages with public policy issues. Some of Gettysburg's key distinctive features include:
The Eisenhower Institute – Become a master of global and public policy issues by taking a front row seat to political leaders, the press, and policy experts—both on campus and in Washington, D.C.
Sunderman Conservatory of Music – Undertake a rigorous music curriculum, or get involved in a multitude of performance groups open to everyone, all within the context of a liberal arts and sciences education.
Garthwait Leadership Center – Sharpen your skills through our intellectual and experiential hub for leadership development; take advantage of workshops, retreats, one-on-one mentoring, or even pursue a Leadership Certificate!
Center for Public Service – Engage with community members, faculty and staff to facilitate partnerships, education, critical thinking, and informed action to foster social change in the local and global communities.
Civil War Institute – Immerse yourself in Civil War dialogue through one of the CWI's special programs or fellowships, or pursue the nation's only minor in Civil War Era Studies.
First-Year Seminar Program – Dive into one of over 40 unique seminar courses and share a residential experience with your classmates; topics include everything from "Protest Music & Social Change in the American Experience" to "Food, Water, Shelter, Song: Staying Human on a Planet in Transition."
Center for Global Education – Take advantage of one of Gettysburg's renowned study abroad programs across the globe, ranked 8th in the country by the Institute of International Education. Nearly 60 percent of students study abroad for a semester or more.
Undergraduate Research – Work side-by-side with distinguished professors to investigate cutting-edge developments, and even share your findings in scholarly journals and professional conferences—work often reserved for graduate students.
Majors and Degrees Offered
There are 65 majors and special programs from which to choose a major, a double major, a self-designed major or a major/minor combination. Every student has a senior capstone experience and nearly 60 percent of the students will study abroad before they graduate. There has been an Honor Code in effect since 1957. More than 95 percent of the faculty has a doctorate or the highest degree in their field. They have earned Fulbright and Luce Fellowships, won NSF grants, and many have gained national and international reputations for their work. However, excellent teaching is central to the College's mission and it is the strong relationship between students and faculty as learners that is the hallmark of a Gettysburg education. At Gettysburg, there is a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17 students.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African Studies.
African-American/Black Studies.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Caribbean Studies.
Chinese Studies.
Ethnic Studies.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies.
French Studies.
Gay/Lesbian Studies.
German Studies.
Italian Studies.
Japanese Studies.
Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Near and Middle Eastern Studies.
Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign)
Spanish and Iberian Studies.
Women's Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other.
Exercise Physiology.
Genetics, General.
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other.
Molecular Biology.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Business/Commerce, General.
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.
Finance, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Management Science.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, Other.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer Science.
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EDUCATION.
Biology Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Education, General.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Foreign Language Teacher Education.
French Language Teacher Education.
German Language Teacher Education.
Health Teacher Education.
History Teacher Education.
Latin Teacher Education.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physics Teacher Education.
Reading Teacher Education.
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
Social Science Teacher Education.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.
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ENGINEERING.
Engineering, General.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.
Arabic Language and Literature.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Italian Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Latin Language and Literature.
Modern Greek Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.
Pre-Dentistry Studies.
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
Pre-Nursing Studies.
Pre-Pharmacy Studies.
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HISTORY.
American History (United States).
Asian History.
European History.
History, General.
History.
Public/Applied History.
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LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
Pre-Law Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, Other.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
International/Global Studies.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Jewish/Judaic Studies.
Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other.
Philosophy, Other.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies, Other.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Astronomy.
Chemistry, General.
Chemistry, Other.
Physical Sciences.
Physics, General.
Planetary Astronomy and Science.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
Psychology, Other.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Public Policy Analysis, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
American Government and Politics (United States).
Anthropology, Other.
Anthropology.
Economics, General.
International Economics.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology and Anthropology.
Sociology.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Music Management.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Students Say
Gettysburg also provides an individualized major option; for instance, the CrossDisciplinary Science Institute prepares students to answer big questions across subjects. Faculty mentors are also at the ready, and they collaborate with hundreds of students on projects each year. "There are a lot of research opportunities for us even though we are undergraduate students," says one. There are also tons of chances "to present research, field trips, hands-on learning experiences, [and] immersion trips."
Small class sizes-there's a 10:1 student-faculty ratio-provide students with further opportunities to "form close relationships with professors, which makes the education experience personalized and thorough." Professors also take point in encouraging "leadership and involvement in academics through research and presentations," and utilize "discussion-based classes [to] foster a greater sense of investment." In turn, the inquisitive minds at Gettysburg "feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and opinions, which makes classes and discussions on campus much more interesting and eye-opening." Experiential learning also keeps things fresh and active, like "community service, going to see movies pertinent to a course's topic, field trips" or, for example, a German class that "used the rock wall in our gym as a trust exercise and to practice giving commands in German." Whatever the situation, professors "are always willing to help and make time to meet outside of class."
Degrees
Master's
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Experiential
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ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Excerpt from Colleges That Create Futures
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
The cost of attendance at Gettysburg College includes charges for tuition, room and board. Allowances for books and supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses are factored into a student's budget for the purpose of determining aid eligibility. Typical fees are listed below. Various room and board options are available after the first year.
Tuition: $58,500
Room (regular room): $7,490
Meal Plan (unlimited access): $6,470
Total Charges: $72,460
Financial Aid
Gettysburg continues to uphold a long-standing commitment to place the College within reach of each accepted student. Recognized by Kiplinger's Personal Finance as a "Best Value" among private colleges based upon academic quality and affordability, a Gettysburg education is an investment worth making. Need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and music scholarships are available. Over $72 million in scholarships and grants were awarded from Gettysburg College resources for the 2019-20 academic year. Approximately 65 percent of the student body benefit from these funds.
Merit scholarships range from $15,000 to $40,000 per year. Decisions on merit scholarship recipients are made as part of the admissions process for entering first-year students. The four academic merit scholarships (Abraham Lincoln, Presidential, David Wills, and 1832 Founders) are awarded as part of the review process; a separate application is not required; all students including those who apply test optional are considered. The Eisenhower Scholarship, designed to recognize students' commitment to civic engagement, requires a separate application.
Applicants who are applying for financial aid should submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS PROFILE by the appropriate deadline dates (November 15 for Early Decision I; January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision). The Gettysburg College Code Number for the PROFILE is 2275 and the Gettysburg College federal school code for the FAFSA is 003268.
Dates
Required Forms
Forms CSSProfile
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
At Gettysburg, students are "all in;" they engage in a broad range of activities that complement their academics both during the week and on the weekends. With more than 120 student-led clubs and organizations and 24 intercollegiate (NCAA division III) athletic programs, it's not uncommon for students to be involved in as many as three or more organizations. From student government and campus publications, to sports, the fine and performing arts, community service, and outdoor adventure, all clubs and organizations are run by students, creating more than a thousand leadership opportunities on campus. Don't see something you're interested in? Start your own organization!
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Our location's significance is undeniable. Located in the world-famous, historic town of Gettysburg, Pa., we are at the center of our nation's history. During the First-Year Walk, our time-honored fall tradition, first-year students and members of the College community walk together to the National Cemetery to hear President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, commemorating the same journey taken by college students in 1863. Our campus is within walking distance of the vibrant downtown square, filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and the historic Majestic Theatre. With our close proximity to major cities—80 minutes from Washington, D.C., and 60 minutes from Baltimore, Md.—our location offers students the best of both worlds. With our on-campus shuttle service, students can easily make it to these cities and more, and exploration is encouraged!
Campus Facilities & Equipment
The 55,000 square foot John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness is a sleek facility with an array of athletic and fitness areas including a fitness center, a bouldering area and rock climbing wall, and a natatorium with eight competition lanes and a four-lane warm-up pool. There are more than 20 fitness classes (some are student-led) each week, from aerobics to spinning to yoga. Nearly all students take advantage of the opportunities for recreation and fitness at Gettysburg.
The Majestic Theater, a renovated and restored 1926 vaudeville theater, seats 830 and features two cinema theatres. The Majestic hosts world-class performances by visiting artists and a stage for College music and theatre performances.
The Science Center, McCreary Hall, and Masters Hall are at the heart of scientific research on campus. The Science Center is a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility and houses two virtual dissection tables, a Multidisciplinary Imaging Suite which includes an atomic force microscope, a greenhouse, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, and a Geographical Information System lab. McCreary is home to the latest equipment for biology, and there is space for cognitive neuroscience, an infant research lab, and a vivarium. Masters Hall houses the Physics department. Inside are atomic and nuclear physics labs, a planetarium, an accelerator research lab, and a plasma research lab. Across campus in the West Building is the Innovation and Creativity Lab, which houses technology for virtual reality, 3-D printing, and more.
Off-Campus Opportunities
At Gettysburg College, everyone has the option of off-campus study and we encourage every student to consider it. Studying off campus offers many obvious benefits—a more global perspective, fluency in another language, and a deeper firsthand knowledge of critical world issues. There are a rich and diverse range of off-campus study options all over the world: in any given semester, Gettysburg students are on six continents, representing all majors and disciplines. In addition to taking course work toward their major, students abroad may be conducting field research, working as interns, living with local people, and studying languages ranging from Arabic to Zulu. By the time they graduate, nearly 60 percent of Gettysburg students have spent at least a semester abroad. In fact, the Institute of International Education has ranked Gettysburg College 8th in the country and 3rd in Pennsylvania for semester-long study abroad experiences.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Dorms Male
International Student
Other
Theme Housing
Wellness Housing
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Dickinson College
Sustainability
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2024.
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/