About Illinois College
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $17,945 after aid, well below the sticker price of $37,470. Graduates earn a median of $52,575 ten years after leaving campus. Most students graduate with $25,565 in debt and monthly loan payments of $271. The college meets demonstrated need for many students, with institutional grants averaging $29,785 for those who receive them.
Athletics play a central role in campus life, with 410 students competing in 16 Division III sports as the Blue Boys. Nearly half the student body participates in varsity athletics. The 70% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the small-town setting or academic demands. However, 96.4% of graduates find employment, and the close-knit community creates lasting connections that extend well beyond graduation.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.1%
- Retention Rate
- 70.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,575
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,420 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,047 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
Campus Life
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests. Students often collaborate with faculty on undergraduate research projects, a hallmark of the Illinois College experience. With 410 athletes competing in 16 Division III sports, game days draw crowds despite the small enrollment. The Blue Boys teams compete in the Midwest Conference, creating regional rivalries.
Weekends revolve around campus activities since Jacksonville offers limited off-campus entertainment. Students attend athletic events, participate in the school's long-standing traditions, and take advantage of the close community bonds. The Presbyterian heritage influences campus culture, though students from all backgrounds feel welcome. With 85% of students from Illinois, most are familiar with small-town Midwest life.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 892 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1829
Campus Safety (2023)
13 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 79.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.1%
- Women
- 52.9%
- White
- 70.3%
- Black
- 9.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 84.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.1%
Location
- Address
- Jacksonville, Illinois 62650-2299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,575
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,547
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $271/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,565
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Illinois College?
Illinois College accepts 77% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts school. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 960-1126 on the SAT, reflecting the college's focus on finding students who will thrive in its close-knit academic environment.
How much does Illinois College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Illinois College is $17,945, lower than the sticker price of $37,470. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,197 on average, while the college's institutional grants average $29,785 for recipients.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Illinois College?
Illinois College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 925 total students. This small scale allows the Presbyterian-affiliated college to deliver on its promise of close mentoring relationships and extensive undergraduate research opportunities.
What do graduates of Illinois College earn after graduation?
Illinois College graduates earn a median of $52,575 ten years after graduation. The college boasts a 96.4% employment rate, though its four-year graduation rate of 64% suggests some students need extra time to complete their degrees.
Where is Illinois College located and what is campus life like?
Illinois College sits in Jacksonville, Illinois, a small town setting that houses nearly all of its 925 students in on-campus housing with capacity for 892. The Blue Boys compete in 16 NCAA Division III sports with 410 total athletes, creating a strong athletic culture despite offering no athletic scholarships.
Does Illinois College have a diverse student body?
Illinois College draws 85% of its students from within Illinois, creating a predominantly in-state community. The student body is 70% white, 10% Hispanic, and 10% Black, with women making up 53% of the 925 enrolled students.
