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Prescott College

Prescott, AZ

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Community, adventure, and advocacy live here

1966
Founded
Private college
Type
253
Total Students
313
Undergrad
656
Graduate
$36K
Tuition (In-State)
$36K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
99%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Dan Garvey (incoming January 2026)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Prescott College

Prescott College: Where community, adventure, and advocacy define a resilient education.

Prescott College, founded in 1966 with the inspiring motto "Community, adventure, and advocacy live here," is a distinctive private college dedicated to fostering a dynamic, 21st-century education. With a student body of 969, it offers a personalized and engaging experience for those seeking an education unfettered by traditional constraints, emphasizing innovation, hands-on learning, and a deep connection to its community and the natural world.

The college's origin story is a testament to its enduring spirit. Envisioned as a "Harvard of the West," it faced significant adversity, including bankruptcy in 1974. However, a determined group of faculty and students refused to let the institution fail, famously earning it the moniker "The College That Wouldn't Die." Classes continued in unconventional settings, from hotel basements to private homes, leading to its eventual resurgence, the regaining of its name, and the acquisition of its current campus. This remarkable history of resilience is woven into the college's fabric, inspiring a culture of perseverance and creative problem-solving.

Today, Prescott College is known for its unique academic strengths and a student experience that blends rigorous study with real-world application. It offers robust programs such as agroecology at Jenner Farm and innovative regenerative design programs in partnership with the Ecosa Institute. Students also have opportunities for global engagement through an international center in Bahía Kino, Sonora, Mexico. The campus itself reflects the college's values, utilizing repurposed buildings for classrooms and featuring the sustainably designed Crossroads Center, built with reclaimed timber, solar panels, and rooftop gardens, providing an environment that truly embodies its commitment to community, adventure, and advocacy.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1966 with a vision to be a "Harvard of the West," pioneering 21st-century education.
  • Famously known as "The College That Wouldn't Die" after overcoming bankruptcy in 1974 through faculty and student determination.
  • Current enrollment of 969 students, fostering a close-knit and engaged academic community.
  • Offers distinctive academic programs including agroecology at Jenner Farm and regenerative design with the Ecosa Institute.
  • Provides international learning experiences through its center in Bahía Kino, Sonora, Mexico.
  • Campus features unique repurposed buildings and sustainable architecture, such as the Crossroads Center with solar panels and rooftop gardens.
  • Guided by its core motto: "Community, adventure, and advocacy live here."

Timeline

1966
Founded after the "Emergence of a Concept" conference, envisioned as a "Harvard of the West."
1974
College declared bankruptcy due to poor fiscal management.
1975
Faculty and students formed the Prescott Center for Alternative Education, holding classes in downtown Prescott and homes.
Post-1975
College regained legal right to the name "Prescott College" and began acquiring campus property and buildings.
Current Era
Established an agroecology program at Jenner Farm and an international center in Bahía Kino, Mexico.
Current Era
Developed regenerative design programs and built the sustainably designed Crossroads Center.
2026
Dan Garvey is set to become the incoming President in January.
🏛️
60 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Dan Garvey (incoming January 2026)
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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