Goucher College logo

Goucher College

Accept Rate
72.9%
Grad Rate
59.1%
Enrollment
948
Avg SAT
1225
Tuition
$51,250
Median Salary
$53,023
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Goucher College feels like a tight-knit liberal arts community nestled in a charming Baltimore neighborhood, where students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and globally conscious citizens. The campus vibe is collaborative and supportive, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and personal growth, making it feel like a place where youโ€™re truly seen and mentored.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

72.9%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 122575th Pctl
10801366
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2630
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your global curiosity and interdisciplinary interests in your essay, as Goucher values students who embrace its study-abroad culture. Be sure to submit a strong portfolio or audition if you're applying for visual or performing arts programs, as these are key areas of strength. Since the acceptance rate is moderate, focus on a compelling personal statement that shows how youโ€™ll contribute to their close-knit community.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1225
40080012001600
School range: 1080โ€“1366

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Goucher is known for its strong programs in psychology, social sciences, and the arts, supported by a faculty dedicated to mentorship and interactive teaching. The college offers unique research opportunities even for undergraduates, such as the Community-Based Learning research program, and emphasizes global education through its mandatory study-abroad requirement.

Popular Majors

Psychology
22.6%
Social Sciences
14.4%
Business & Marketing
8.6%
English & Literature
7.7%
Visual & Performing Arts
7.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
7.2%
Biology & Biomedical
6.7%
Natural Resources
6.2%
Communications
5.3%
History
3.4%
Education
2.4%
Foreign Languages
2.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

59.1%
Graduation Rate
76.6%
Retention Rate
948
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$51,250
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,774
After financial aid
Total Cost
$68,893
Cost of attendance/year
31.2%
Receive Pell Grants
51.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Baltimore

Students enjoy Baltimoreโ€™s vibrant arts scene, with easy access to museums, galleries, and music venues like the Baltimore Museum of Art and Power Plant Live!. For fun, you can explore the historic Fells Point for dining and nightlife, catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards, or take advantage of the city's growing food truck and festival scene.

Local Rent Check

$1,582 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Baltimore
Explore Baltimore

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$205,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $205,000

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($53,023):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Goucher's campus is generally considered safe with its own campus security and a suburban-like setting within the city. However, students should remain aware of their surroundings when venturing into surrounding Baltimore neighborhoods, as is common in any urban area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Required study-abroad program for all students ensures a globally-focused education.
  • โœ“ Low student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention and mentorship.
  • โœ“ Strong programs in Psychology, Arts, and Social Sciences with hands-on research opportunities.
  • โœ“ Located in Baltimore provides access to urban internships and cultural experiences.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 59.1% is below the national average for private colleges.
  • โœ— High tuition cost, even though net price is lower after aid.
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment size may not appeal to students seeking a large university feel.

Notable Alumni

Christine Todd Whitman
Former Governor of New Jersey and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Pamela Shriver
Former professional tennis player and Grand Slam champion, now a sports broadcaster.
Nikki Haley
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Governor of South Carolina (attended).

Frequently Asked Questions

Goucher College is widely known for its mandatory study-abroad program, making it a pioneer in global education for undergraduates. It also has strong academic reputations in psychology, social sciences, visual and performing arts, and business & marketing, all within a small, liberal arts setting that emphasizes close faculty mentorship.

Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 72.9%, making it moderately selective and accessible to a broad range of applicants. While not highly competitive, successful applicants typically present a solid academic profile, with an average SAT score around 1225, and demonstrate a strong fit with the college's global and community-focused mission.

Campus life at Goucher is intimate and community-oriented, with a small enrollment of just 948 students, fostering close relationships among peers and professors. Students are actively involved in arts, athletics, and community service, and the college's location in Baltimore allows for a blend of quiet campus living with easy access to city attractions.

The value of a Goucher degree depends on how you leverage its unique opportunities. While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $23,774 is more competitive, and the mandatory study-abroad program and strong internship connections in Baltimore can provide a significant return on investment, reflected in the median 10-year earnings of $53,023.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Johns Hopkins University & Health System Under Armour T. Rowe Price NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Baltimore City Public Schools
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,042
  • In-State Tuition $51,250
  • Zip Code 21204

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 34.1% โ™€ 65.9%

The Money Talk

With a high sticker price of over $51,000 in tuition, the net price for students after aid drops significantly to an average of $23,774, which is more manageable. The 10-year median earnings of $53,023 suggest a solid, though not elite, return on investment, making it a potentially worthwhile investment for those who leverage Goucher's strong alumni network and internship opportunities in Baltimore.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $51,250
Housing (12 mo) $18,984
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $77,434
With avg financial aid:
$23,774/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.