Ripon College

Ripon College is a private liberal arts college in Ripon, Wisconsin. As of 2022, the college enrolled around 766 students. Nearly 80% of students were Wisconsin residents. History Ripon College was founded in 1851, although its first class of students did not enroll until 1853. It was first known as Brockway College, named for William S. Brockway, who gave the most, $25, in a fundraising effort. Ripon's first class, four women, graduated in 1867. The college was founded with ties to local churches, but early in its history the institution became secular. In 1868 formal ties with Presbyterian and Congregational churches were cut, but Ripon would retain some ties to its religious past. During the nineteenth century, students were required to attend two church services each Sunday. The first six presidents of Ripon College had clerical backgrounds. Today students are not required to attend religious services.