Exeter at a glance
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A Little Book of BigBOOK Red Facts A LITTLE OF BIG RED FACTS
AN EDUCATION LIKE NO OTHER
Phillips Exeter Academy has a tradition of academic excellence, a distinguished faculty, and a long history of educating young people to find their place in the world.
Every aspect of the Exeter experience is infused with critical thinking, thoughtful discourse and collaboration. The heart of the school is its signature Harkness method of instruction. The Harkness philosophy, developed at Exeter nearly 100 years ago, is centered on a way of thinking and engaging with others that requires preparation and provides a sense of readiness for learning, for college, for life. Exeter today is true to its 1781 founding principles of inclusivity and the power of goodness united with knowledge. Students come from immensely diverse backgrounds and possess unique talents and interests — yet they each combine proven intellectual ability, curiosity and tenacity with good character.
GENERAL
STUDENT PROFILE
Student/teacher ratio 6:1 Average class size 12 students Campus size (includes fields and woods) 700 acres Number of buildings 147 Number of dorms 26 Books in library (print and e-books) 379,669 Seats in library 615 Open library hours per week 86 Interscholastic sports 22 Interscholastic teams 69 Student clubs and organizations 150+
Current students come from 45 states, the District of Columbia and 38 foreign countries.
FACULTY Total faculty
253
Male Female Self-identified International students
49.5% (543) 50.2% (550) 0.3% (3)
Students living outside the United States, including U.S. citizens
18.0% (198)
Non-U.S. citizens
13.7% (150)
Student body composition Asian
35.3% (387)
Black or African American
10.9% (120)
Hispanic or Latino
10.6% (116)
Native American or Alaska Native
0.7% (8)
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.5% (6)
(includes teachers and administrative faculty)
White
Degrees and credentials held Doctorate Master’s Bachelor’s Other degree or credential
Two or more races
17.0% (186)
Students of color
55.1% (604)
28% (72) 63% (160) 8% (19) 1% (2)
47.3% (519)
Percentages represent those students who provided information. The categories include all students who identified in a given category, including those who identified with more than one category.
ENROLLMENT Total Boarding Day Students by grade 9th 10th 11th 12th/Postgraduate
1,096 81.2% (890) 18.8% (206) 226 256 301 313
Total financial assistance awarded
$30 million
Students receiving financial assistance
49%
Average grant for boarding students
$60,036
(includes grant toward tuition plus book assistance)
Average grant for day students
2,599
Admitted
481
New students entering in 2026
355
TUITION Boarding students
$71,797
Day students
$56,077
23,239
Total
REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 23
United States and abroad
GENERAL FINANCES $39,715
(includes grant toward tuition plus book assistance)
ADMISSIONS Completed applications in 2026
ALUMNI
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
COLLEGE COUNSELING An experienced team of counselors guide students as they navigate the complex college process. Holding true to the mission of the Academy — serving youth from every quarter — Exeter’s diverse student body celebrates diverse college choices. Visit www.exeter.edu/collegechoices for a complete matriculation list.
$143.9 million
Operating budget
Funding of the operating budget is projected from the following revenues: Net tuition 30.45% Endowment income 54.37% The Exeter Fund and other gifts 8.34% Other income 6.84% (summer programs, auxiliary income, etc.)
$1.87 billion
Endowment Value (Preliminary as of June 30, 2026)
Contents dated September 2026