Photo: Grove City College. Retrieved from: www.gcc.edu
Grove City College is a Christian affiliated, four-year school that offers students a strong liberal arts education as well as a variety of professional degree programs as well. Building a strong foundation for students to develop a well rounded future that helps them to develop a solid professional demeanor as well as a dependable moral compass is one of the main priorities at the College. Although Grove City College has a long standing affiliation with the Christian culture, the school has always opened its doors, welcoming any student that desired such professional preparation and a liberal arts education.
Throughout the campus, students will find a support system that is unmatched by any other facility and staff system. Members of the faculty and student body strive to ensure that all students feel at home and part of the close-knit community within the campus. This means creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable learning, working and socializing amongst each other as they prepare themselves for their individual goals. Whether it is in or outside of the classroom, students at Grove City College can appreciate a long history of the liberal arts culture and a wide array of professional courses that will accurately prepare them for the workforce ahead of them.
School History
Founded in 1876 by Isaac Ketler, originally opened as the Pine Grove Normal Academy. Based on the idea to spread the services of Christianity without imposing the beliefs on students, the school delivered a unique style education to students. At the time, America was taken abroad by the widespread views of Christianity. However, the founders believed that it would be more beneficial to all students to extend enrollment regardless of religious beliefs or testing. The school was established to create a safe atmosphere in which students were able to practice free religion, civility and indulge in the appreciation of liberal arts. In fact, students were taught to focus on their studies, venture into the world of science and technology and encouraged to believe in the separation of church and state without compromising their own religious beliefs. In turn, this created a stable atmosphere for students to develop their own individuality while learning about various cultures, religions and beliefs.
Grove City College was originally chartered in 1876 under the Pine grove Normal Academy and received accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Accredited Board for Engineering and Technology as well as the Council for Higher education Accreditation.
Grove City College has a long history of community and civil service since it opened. During World War II, the school served as a Navy training facility. Being one of only six schools in the country that were chosen for the Electronic Training Program, which helped approximately 100 different military members each month with their engineering training for battle. By 2005, Grove City College established the Center for Vision and Values, a facility that assist students and non-students alike on the importance of freedom and faith – solidifying the schools beliefs on global civility and equality of all humanity.
Campus Life
Life on the Grove City College campus is enriching in every sense of the word. Students work together to create a wide variety of organizations and events on campus. While many students prefer to utilize their creative talents to establish The Bridge Yearbook and The Students’ View publication, others enjoy participating in the special interest groups and other student activities. There are plenty of amenities located throughout the campus grounds to add to the convenience of living on campus such as a wide range of freshman computers, the Harbison Chapel and plenty of dinning services. Students are encouraged to utilize facilities on campus to help get them accustomed to the independency of college life.
Campus safety is of the utmost importance at Grove City College. For this reason, the campus is patrolled at all times by both professional and student security officers. This ensures that students are involved in all facets of campus surrounding to develop leadership and cognitive skills that will help them excel in their individual career paths.
Grove City College offers a unique and unmatched residential setting for students to grow into mature, independent professionals, well prepared for the outside world. Since over 90% of students that attend Grove City College live on campus, many prefer to live in one of the residence dorms, townhouses or apartment complexes in order to be close to classrooms and campus events. Although off campus housing is available, first year students generally reside in the residence halls designated to help them get to know their peers and adjust to college life easier.
Financial Aid
Obtaining financial aid can be one of the most difficult tasks for students to face during their college career. However, Grove City College takes pride in helping students obtain the proper funding for their individual needs. Financial aid counselors are available to help students explore, apply and obtain funding through various channels available. Many students, especially in their first year, are overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of funding that are available to them. For this reason, the Office of Financial Aid is open throughout the year to help students and their families get a head start on finding the right aid.
Grove City College students take full advantage of the funding options available. In fact, nearly ¾ of attending students successfully obtain aid each semester. The College offers its own independent funding for students in the forms of merit and need based grants or athletic and academic scholarships. This is in addition to accepting funding from government based programs such as TAP and FAFSA loans, scholarships and individual grants.
Rankings
2017 College Rankings
