Grove City College (GCC), founded in 1876, is a non-denominational conservative Christian liberal arts college located in Grove City, Pennsylvania. The college is known for its rigorous academics, strong faith emphasis, and unusually low tuition for a private institution. Grove City College is routinely ranked as one of the country’s top colleges and Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.
GCC is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026! GCC’s success as a champion of faith and freedom for a century and a half is a milestone to embrace. Its consistent mission over the years has been one of academic excellence founded on timeless truths, with a dedication to developing leaders grounded in conservative values and the principles of a free society.
Academics
Grove City College emphasizes a humanities core curriculum and a classical liberal arts foundation. It maintains a reputation for academic excellence and a traditional campus culture. The college offers 70+ majors across the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, and education. Popular majors include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Exercise Science & Kinesiology
- Speech Communication
- Health/Medical Prep Programs
Search all majors and departments here.
Athletics
Grove City College participates in NCAA Division III athletics with sports such as football, basketball, soccer, swimming, track, lacrosse, and more. GCC also offers extensive intramural sports: badminton, basketball, bowling, football, racquetball, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball.
Campus Life
Grove City’s 180-acre campus is one of the most beautiful and inspiring in the nation. The buildings are Collegiate Gothic style, and the campus master plan was created for by the legendary Fredrick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture.
96% of students live on campus in one of 11 residence halls, creating a highly residential environment. Housing includes men’s dorms, women’s dorms, and single student apartments. Students are generally required to live on campus through senior year, and 82% of students say the dorm atmosphere is great.
Student life at Grove City College centers on a faith‑centered, values-driven, close-knit community. Fraternities and sororities are present but modest, with 17% of men and 20% of women participating. GCC consistently ranks as one of the most LGBT-unfriendly schools in America.
Grove City College emphasizes a substance‑free social environment. This philosophy is reflected in a campus culture focused on wholesome activities and a limited party scene. The college offers 150+ student‑led clubs and organizations, including academic groups, ministries, arts, and service clubs.
Campus life is deeply shaped by Christian worldview integration—students regularly engage in chapel, small groups, and faith‑based events. The environment emphasizes character formation, leadership, and spiritual growth. Students consistently highlight community, safety, and shared values as defining strengths.
Homeschool Applicants
Grove City College is one of the top 10 colleges for homeschool graduates! At GCC, a homeschool student is defined as “one who is taught at home by his/her parents or by a group of individuals outside of the traditional educational system.” Click here for application instructions. When applying, please note:
- The required high school transcript (and any available college transcripts) should include your course of study and grades (including senior year classes and available grades), preferably organized by academic year rather than by subject.
- The required letter of recommendation should be written by someone outside of your family.
- An optional resume and admissions interview are encouraged for scholarship consideration.
Homeschool students who have taken college classes to supplement their home education will enroll in GCC as freshmen. Qualified high school juniors and seniors may take dual enrollment college classes at GCC for credit at a fraction of the standard cost. The courses may count for high school credit in addition to Grove City College credit. Find out more about GCC’s dual enrollment program.
