Peter's Hidden Gem Series #8: Goshen College (IN)

FACTS ABOUT GOSHEN COLLEGE

“Where Everything Connects.”

“Everything connects at Goshen. Art meets science. Humanity touches the environment. And hearts connect to minds.” [quotes are from their website]

Goshen College is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition, located in Goshen, Indiana. They operate on a semester calendar, plus an optional, but very popular, (tuition-free) May Term.

Goshen College has a student body of 691 full-time undergraduate students. Approximately 409 of these students live on their campus. Goshen, Indiana, is a city of 34,500 residents, located about two hours from both Chicago and Indianapolis.

Goshen College offers 47 undergraduate majors and 53 minors. The most popular majors are Nursing, Business, Accounting, Biology, Exercise Science, Psychology, Sign Language, Social Work, Molecular Biology, and Music.

The acceptance rate at Goshen College is 84%. They consider a wide range of students (C+ to A+).

2026-2027 Full-Time Tuition $41,260

Housing $6,800

Food $5,810

Total $53,870

However…

After merit scholarships (that average over $19K), most families (even families that do not qualify for need-based assistance) pay less than $26K without loans. In fact, including students who receive need-based aid, the average amount that students pay is less than $22K. This is a very financially stable college (Forbes gives them a strong A+ for financial strength). Their endowment is over $138 million.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS:

BROADCASTING

From their website:

“Named Best College Radio Station in the Nation (Intercollegiate Broadcasting System); Indiana Radio School of the Year—Nine-time winner; Indiana Television School of the Year—Four-time winner

Top 5 reasons to study broadcasting at Goshen College:

Start on air your first semester. Join award-winning radio, TV, and media teams right away—no waiting until junior year.

Train in a nationally recognized program. Work with The Globe radio, Globe TV, and FiveCore Media, programs known for excellence and industry-level production.

Build a professional portfolio before graduation. Graduate with real shows, published work, and at least one internship already on your résumé.

Learn with close faculty mentorship. Small class sizes mean hands-on coaching, collaboration, and meaningful industry guidance.

Launch versatile, in-demand careers. Prepare for roles in broadcasting, journalism, film, public relations, and digital media—with skills employers value everywhere.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT/STUDY-SERVICE-TERM (SST)

From their website:

“Building Relationships Locally and Abroad: As a Goshen College student, you will devote at least 12 credit hours to global citizenship and experiential learning. Goshen College’s premiere global engagement program, Study-Service Term (SST), offers students the opportunity to approach life, leadership, and career as global citizens who are able to collaborate for the common good and respect human dignity across cultural differences.

We offer several global engagement themes designed to help focus your experience. You will discuss global issues, encounter people from other cultural backgrounds, and volunteer with a community organization. If you spend a semester abroad, you have the opportunity to learn to speak another language. We understand that travel can be a challenge for many students and their families, so we have developed multiple formats to better accommodate student needs.

The SST experience is one that stays with students well beyond graduation, with alumni regularly referencing their trips as some of their fondest and most formative memories.”

Students can choose from semester-long SST’s or “4 May Terms” sequential SST’s:

Semester-long: Equador, Indonesia, or Tanzania

Sequential: Chicago/Elkhart County, Detroit, Disaster Site, Guatemala, India, London/UK, Northern Ireland, Puerto Rico, or On-Campus.

PEACE, JUSTICE, AND CONFLICT STUDIES

From their website:

“Why Study Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies at Goshen College?

As a Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies (PJCS) major at Goshen College, you’ll delve into the complexities of conflict and the pathways to peace. Rooted in a tradition that values compassionate peacemaking, our program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining theory and practice to equip you with the skills needed to address injustice and promote reconciliation in various contexts. ​

You’ll engage with subjects like restorative justice, social change, and modern global conflicts, preparing you for meaningful careers in social work, education, law, mediation, and beyond. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures personalized attention, fostering a supportive environment for passionate learners dedicated to making a difference.

Real-world experience is integral to the PJCS program. You’ll have opportunities for internships with organizations like La Casa in Goshen and the Center for Community Justice in Elkhart, as well as agencies across North America such as Mennonite Central Committee. These experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge to practical situations, enhancing your skills in conflict resolution and social change.”

DEAF STUDIES

From their website:

“Top 5 reasons to pursue Deaf studies at Goshen College

Customize your learning. The Deaf Studies major allows you to customize your learning. You might choose Deaf Studies with an Education Concentration, Deaf Studies with a Social Work Concentration, or choose to double major in Deaf Studies and Secondary Education to receive a license to teach ASL.

Strong Career Opportunities. There are many career opportunities working with Deaf children and adults, such as: paraprofessional in a school setting; dorm supervisor at a Deaf school; ASL teacher; case manager; job coach; life skills educator; group home manager; interpreter scheduler; and many more.

Curriculum based on ethics. At Goshen College, we strive to keep the best interests of the Deaf community at the heart of our work. Professional ethics will be emphasized in every class.

Hands-on learning. Deaf Studies students at Goshen College have many opportunities to interact with the local Deaf community, including an internship, which allows you to improve your sign language skills, learn more about Deaf culture, and network. Hands-on learning is critical to gaining the skills you will need in your career.

Participate in an immersion semester. You will spend one semester as a visiting student at Gallaudet University, where you will be immersed in sign language and Deaf culture.”

Website: https://www.goshen.edu/  

Link to their virtual tour information:

https://www.goshen.edu/admissions/visit/virtual/