Ursinus College is a private liberal arts college located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1869, the college has historic ties to the German Reformed Church but operates today as a nonsectarian institution. Ursinus offers undergraduate programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with an emphasis on close faculty-student interaction and residential campus life. The college enrolls approximately 1,500 undergraduate students and competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Bears. Ursinus is known for its broad-based liberal arts curriculum, research opportunities for undergraduates, and a campus environment that supports academic exploration and community engagement.
With a 91.77% acceptance rate, Ursinus College is moderately selective. Applicants are expected to show good academic performance and readiness for college-level coursework. Students with consistent grades, extracurricular involvement, and a well-prepared application are typically competitive for admission.
Ursinus College was founded in 1869 in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, after members of the German Reformed Church began planning a Christian college in 1867 ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursinus_College?utm_source=openai)). The institution received its charter from the Pennsylvania legislature and opened on the grounds of Todd’s School and Freeland Seminary ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursinus_College?utm_source=openai)). John Henry Augustus Bomberger became the first president in 1870 and helped shape the early academic mission of Ursinus College ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_Augustus_Bomberger?utm_source=openai)). Named for 16th-century theologian Zacharias Ursinus, the college initially reflected its Reformed heritage before gradually evolving into a nonsectarian liberal arts institution ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursinus_College?utm_source=openai)). Ursinus became coeducational in 1880 ([ursinus.edu](https://www.ursinus.edu/offices/institutional-research/institution-information/college-fact-sheet/?utm_source=openai)). Throughout the 20th century, the campus expanded with new academic buildings and library facilities, including the opening of Myrin Library in 1971 ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursinus_College?utm_source=openai)). Today, Ursinus College continues as a residential liberal arts college serving undergraduate students in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Ursinus College has a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means small class sizes and close interaction with professors. Students often benefit from more personalized attention, accessible faculty mentorship, and greater opportunities for discussion and research collaboration.
Applying to Ursinus College involves submitting an undergraduate application, high school transcripts, and supporting materials that reflect academic preparation and personal interests. Ursinus College reviews applicants holistically, considering coursework rigor, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities. Prospective students can explore majors in the liberal arts and sciences while learning about campus life in Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
Ursinus College offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to help make attendance more affordable. Students applying to Ursinus College can submit the FAFSA and other required documents to be considered for institutional grants, scholarships, and federal aid. Understanding tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, and long-term value is an important part of the decision-making process.
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