Ripon College

Ripon College: Personalized learning, lifelong impact.

📍 Ripon, United States 🇺🇸

🏆 #136 in United States

Quick Facts about Ripon College

  • Type: Private Non-Profit
  • Students: 754
  • International: 3%
  • Campus: Rural
  • Tuition: $51,900 – $53,128/year
  • Language: English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
  • Intakes: January, August, September

About Ripon College

Ripon College is a private liberal arts college located in Ripon, Wisconsin, United States. Established in 1851, it is known for its personalized academics, strong community, and focus on career development. As of 2024, the college enrolls approximately 754 undergraduate students.

Academics

Ripon College offers students a choice of 31 majors and various pre-professional advising options, alongside the opportunity to self-design a major. The college emphasizes a liberal arts approach, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and strong writing skills through its Catalyst curriculum. This curriculum includes five seminars over three years, focusing on real-world problem-solving, and students receive a certificate in Applied Innovation upon completion. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, allowing for close interaction and individualized support from professors. Popular majors include Psychology, Biology, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Elementary Education.

International Students

Ripon College offers support to international students, including English Learner programs for those needing additional assistance. The college aims to create a welcoming environment where international students can make new friends and integrate into the community. While specific diversity statistics for international students are not prominently featured, the overall student body has an average geographic diversity, with 2.8% of students coming from outside the country. On-campus housing is available, and most freshmen choose to live in dorms.

Campus & Location

Ripon College is situated in Ripon, Wisconsin, a small, historic, and family-oriented rural community. The campus itself spans 250 acres. The town offers easy access to shopping, cultural events, and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, biking, and hiking. While the town is small with limited off-campus entertainment, campus life is vibrant with numerous clubs, activities, and traditions that encourage student involvement. The college's small size contributes to a close-knit community where everything is within walking distance.

Career Outcomes

Ripon College emphasizes intentional career development programming and aims for strong post-graduation outcomes. The college's Catalyst curriculum is designed to equip students with skills highly sought after in the job market, such as innovation, critical thinking, and writing. While specific employment rates for graduates are not readily available, the college's focus on practical skills and strong faculty-student relationships likely contribute to positive career trajectories. Notable alumni include actor Spencer Tracy, jazz artist Al Jarreau, and Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of Selfridge's Department Store.

Information for International Students at Ripon College

Ripon College in Ripon, United States welcomes international students, with 3% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 3% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$925/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Ripon College

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Ripon College:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 79
  • Duolingo minimum: 100
  • GPA minimum: 2.6
  • Application fee: $30
  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: September 15

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Programs at Ripon College (20 programs)

Ripon College offers 20 programs across Bachelor levels.

Bachelor Programs (20)

  • Global Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Global Studies program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues, cultures, and interconnectedness. Students analyze international relations, development, and social justice from multiple perspectives.
    Field: International Studies
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Aid Worker, Policy Analyst, Journalist, Researcher
  • History (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The History program examines past events, societies, and cultures, fostering critical analysis and research skills. Students learn to interpret historical sources and understand the complexities of human experience over time.
    Field: History
    Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Researcher, Educator
  • Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Political Science program examines political systems, institutions, and behaviors, both domestically and internationally. Students analyze political theories, public policy, and global affairs.
    Field: Political Science
    Career outcomes: Political Analyst, Lobbyist, Government Official, Journalist, Lawyer
  • Global Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Global Studies program provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues, cultures, and interconnectedness. Students analyze international relations, development, and social justice from multiple perspectives.
    Field: International Studies
    Career outcomes: Diplomat, International Aid Worker, Policy Analyst, Journalist, Researcher
  • History (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The History program examines past events, societies, and cultures, fostering critical analysis and research skills. Students learn to interpret historical sources and understand the complexities of human experience over time.
    Field: History
    Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Researcher, Educator
  • Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Political Science program examines political systems, institutions, and behaviors, both domestically and internationally. Students analyze political theories, public policy, and global affairs.
    Field: Political Science
    Career outcomes: Political Analyst, Lobbyist, Government Official, Journalist, Lawyer
  • Art (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Art program at Ripon College fosters creative expression and critical thinking through various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, and digital art. Students develop technical skills and explore art history and theory.
    Field: Visual Arts
    Career outcomes: Artist, Art Educator, Gallery Assistant, Graphic Designer
  • Biology (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr · STEM
    The Biology program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, from molecular to ecosystem levels. Students engage in laboratory work, field studies, and research to explore biological principles and their applications.
    Field: Biology
    Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Healthcare Professional, Environmental Scientist
  • Communication (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    This program focuses on effective communication strategies across various contexts, including interpersonal, organizational, and mass media. Students develop skills in public speaking, writing, media analysis, and digital communication.
    Field: Communication
    Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Marketing Communications Manager, Media Analyst
  • English (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The English program cultivates strong analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills through the study of literature, rhetoric, and creative writing. Students explore diverse literary traditions and develop their own authorial voice.
    Field: English Language and Literature
    Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Content Creator, Educator
  • Physics (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr · STEM
    The Physics program investigates the fundamental laws of the universe, covering mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Students engage in experimental and theoretical studies to understand physical phenomena.
    Field: Physics
    Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher, Data Scientist, Educator
  • Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Sociology program investigates human social behavior, social structures, and cultural phenomena. Students analyze social inequalities, institutions, and social change through various theoretical perspectives and research methods.
    Field: Sociology
    Career outcomes: Sociologist, Social Worker, Community Organizer, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst
  • Business Management (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    This program equips students with essential business knowledge and leadership skills, covering areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, and organizational behavior. Students learn to analyze business challenges and develop strategic solutions.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Specialist, Financial Analyst, Human Resources Manager
  • Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Economics program examines how societies allocate scarce resources, focusing on microeconomic and macroeconomic theories. Students develop analytical and quantitative skills to understand economic systems and policy implications.
    Field: Economics
    Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst
  • Mathematics (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr · STEM
    The Mathematics program develops logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities through the study of calculus, algebra, statistics, and discrete mathematics. Students gain a strong theoretical foundation and practical application skills.
    Field: Mathematics
    Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary, Data Analyst, Educator
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Psychology program explores the scientific study of mind and behavior, covering topics such as cognitive processes, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students learn research methods and ethical considerations.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Psychologist (with further study), Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Researcher
  • Computer Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr · STEM
    The Computer Science program provides a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software development. Students gain practical experience in various programming languages and explore areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
    Field: Computer Science
    Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Network Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Philosophy program explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical decision-making skills.
    Field: Philosophy
    Career outcomes: Ethicist, Lawyer, Policy Analyst, Writer, Educator
  • Spanish (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Spanish program develops proficiency in the Spanish language and provides a deep understanding of Hispanic cultures, literatures, and histories. Students engage in immersive language learning and cultural studies.
    Field: Foreign Languages
    Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, International Relations Specialist, Educator
  • Education (BA) — 48 months · English · $49,000/yr
    The Education program prepares future educators with pedagogical theories, classroom management techniques, and subject-specific teaching methods. Students gain practical experience through student teaching placements.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Teacher, Educational Administrator, Curriculum Developer, School Counselor

Scholarships & Tuition at Ripon College

Annual tuition for international students: $51,900 – $53,128/year

✅ Ripon College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Ripon College

  • National Ranking: #136 in United States
  • Ranking tier: Research University

Campus & Facilities at Ripon College

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Rural
  • Average class size: 20
  • Housing cost: ~$925/month

Key Highlights

  • Personalized liberal arts education
  • Catalyst curriculum, innovation focus
  • Strong career development emphasis
  • Small, supportive campus community
  • Historic Wisconsin location

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission

Notable Alumni

  • Spencer Tracy
  • Al Jarreau
  • Laura Ramsey
  • Michael Gableman
  • Elda Emma Anderson

Frequently Asked Questions about Ripon College

What is Ripon College?

Ripon College is a private non-profit university located in Ripon, United States. It has approximately 754 students, with 3% being international students.

How much does it cost to study at Ripon College?

Tuition fees at Ripon College for international students range from $51,900 – $53,128/year. Student housing costs approximately $925/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Ripon College?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 100. GPA minimum: 2.6. Application fee: $30. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: September 15.

What language are courses taught in at Ripon College?

Courses at Ripon College are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

How many programs does Ripon College offer?

Ripon College offers 20 programs: 20 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Ripon College ranked?

#136 in United States.

Does Ripon College offer scholarships?

Yes, Ripon College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Ripon College provide visa support?

Yes, Ripon College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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