Principia College is a hidden gem for serious liberal arts education rooted in Christian Science principles. The campus in Elsah, Illinois feels almost removed from time—intentionally. You're there to study, not to party. Academics are rigorous. The student body is intellectually engaged and genuinely kind to each other.
Programs in natural sciences, foreign languages, and humanities are particularly strong. There's no business school or engineering, so you're not competing with pre-meds for lab time. Class sizes stay small. Professors are accessible and passionate about teaching.
The religious foundation is genuine but not oppressive. You don't have to be Christian Science to succeed here, though you'll engage with those ideas. If you're seeking depth, intellectual community, and a break from the prestige-obsessed mainstream, Principia is worth serious consideration.