

Beloit College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1846 in Beloit, Wisconsin. It opened for instruction in 1847, making it one of the state's oldest colleges. Its early identity was shaped by a broad undergraduate curriculum rather than training for a single profession.
The college has continued to emphasize undergraduate study while changing how students use the campus. A recent example is the Powerhouse, a former riverside power plant converted into a student recreation and gathering facility. The Logan Museum of Anthropology and Wright Museum of Art also reflect longstanding academic interests beyond the classroom.
Beloit College is organized around undergraduate liberal arts study, not a large system of separate professional schools. Students pursue bachelor's-level work across the humanities, arts, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
Examples include biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, education, English, history, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and studio art. Interdisciplinary options include fields such as environmental studies and data-focused study. The Logan Museum of Anthropology and Wright Museum of Art give students access to collections relevant to coursework and research.
Prospective students should use the current academic catalog to distinguish a major from a minor or other course of study. That distinction matters if a particular credential, sequence of courses, or preparation for licensure is essential to their plans.
Beloit College is in Beloit, Wisconsin, near the Illinois state line. Its campus sits beside the Rock River, within a small city rather than a large metropolitan area.
Downtown Beloit and local organizations offer potential places to work, volunteer, and spend time off campus. Students seeking opportunities in larger cities should account for travel time: Madison and Milwaukee are regional destinations, while Chicago is farther away. A car can be useful for some off-campus activities, although first-year students are permitted to park one on campus. Travelers should compare flight and ground-transportation options through Chicago O'Hare, Milwaukee, and Madison rather than assume one airport is convenient for every trip.
Beloit College describes its educational purpose in liberal arts terms: helping students develop broad knowledge, independent judgment, and the ability to apply learning in different settings. Its academic approach places value on inquiry across disciplines and on learning through experiences beyond conventional lectures.
That stated purpose is most relevant to applicants deciding whether they want room to explore subjects alongside a major. It does not mean every student follows the same path: course requirements, advising, and access to particular experiences depend on the student's program and circumstances. Beloit is a private college and is not presented as a religiously affiliated institution.
Name of the institution
Beloit CollegeLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1846Beloit College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.