About Knox College
Students pay an average net price of $24,875 after financial aid, making this $55,587 sticker price much more manageable. Graduates earn a median of $54,820 ten years after leaving Knox, while carrying typical debt of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a reasonable burden given earning potential. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional aid averages $37,015 for those who qualify.
The Prairie Fire compete in 18 Division III sports with 292 student-athletes. Knox operates on a quarter system rather than traditional semesters, allowing for intensive courses and unique scheduling. The 68% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, though 91% find employment after college.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 71.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.5%
- Retention Rate
- 79.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,820
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $44,942 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $29,250 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $27,439 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $22,578 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $20,928 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic interests well. Knox operates on a quarter system that keeps the pace brisk with shorter, more intensive courses. Students gather at Seymour Union for meals and socializing, while the campus buzzes with activity from 18 varsity sports teams competing as the Prairie Fire. Weekend options include student theater productions, house parties, and trips to nearby Monmouth or occasional Chicago excursions. The college's writing culture runs deep - this is where Carl Sandburg studied and where Lincoln debated Douglas in 1858. Many students spend late nights in the library's writing center, cementing Knox's reputation as a place where serious writers develop their craft.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,186 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1837
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–30°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,532.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.9%
- Women
- 52.1%
- White
- 48.5%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 12.8%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 39.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.7%
Location
- Address
- Galesburg, Illinois 61401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,820
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,902
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Knox College?
Knox College accepts 73.32% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a liberal arts college. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160-1420 on the SAT, reflecting the college's focus on finding students who fit well with its close-knit academic community.
How much does Knox College cost after financial aid?
Knox College costs $55,587 in tuition, but the average net price drops to $24,875 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $15,705, demonstrating the college's commitment to making liberal arts education accessible.
What are the academics like at Knox College?
Knox College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 997 total students, ensuring intimate classroom discussions. The college is particularly well-known for its creative writing programs and served as the historic site of the famous 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate.
What do Knox College graduates earn after graduation?
Knox College graduates earn a median of $54,820 ten years after graduation, with a strong 90.8% employment rate. About 67.5% of students complete their degree within six years, typical for a small liberal arts college that emphasizes deep learning over quick completion.
Where is Knox College located and what is campus life like?
Knox College sits in Galesburg, Illinois, a small town setting that creates a tight-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 1,186 students and 18 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, campus life revolves around academic and athletic engagement rather than big-city distractions.
What makes Knox College unique among liberal arts schools?
Knox College operates on a quarter system rather than semesters, allowing students to take more varied courses throughout the year. The college's claim to fame includes being the birthplace of poet Carl Sandburg and hosting one of the most famous political debates in American history between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas.
