[9] The college was founded with ties to local churches, but early in its history the institution became secular.

Ripon College provides a four-year graduation guarantee to all students who remain in good academic standing, declare a major course of study by the end of sophomore year, and follow an approved course plan.

The center sponsors scholarship and hosts special events featuring elected officials and policy makers, high-level campaign operatives, academic experts, journalists, prognosticators and citizens representing a spectrum of political views.

The center also manages the college's annual Career Discovery Tour to Washington, D.C., and helps place students in internships.

[14] The Center for Career and Professional Development offers resources to students such as workshops, employer visits, job fairs, and assistance with writing a resume.

[15] SOAR is a program offered to students of various disciplines to research alongside professors over the summer while living on campus and partaking in volunteer projects around the local community.

[16] From 1941 to 2019, the college served as the host site for Badger Boys State, a summer leadership and citizenship program for more than 800 Wisconsin high school juniors that focuses on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.

Two art works of note in the permanent collection of the college are life-size portraits by Anthony van Dyck of Princess Amalia of the House of Orange and Sir Roger Townshend.

[23] All musical ensembles, with the exception of Chamber Singers,[24] are open to students, faculty and staff, and community members to join without auditioning.

[21] The college's theater program produces three productions per year, with students from any major encouraged to act or be involved with set, costume, and makeup design.

[25] Students regularly participate in the Region III Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

It has a fleet of campus hybrid vehicles, a recycling program, and uses energy efficient light bulbs.

[37] The only exception, local fraternity Phi Kappa Pi, also known as the Merrimen, had its own house from 1939 until it was razed in 2021.

[43]Ripon athletics teams participate in NCAA Division III as part of the Midwest Conference.

Conference competition for women includes: cross-country, soccer, tennis, volleyball (fall), basketball (winter), Esports (Fall & Spring) swimming (winter), indoor and outdoor track, and softball (spring).