At $24,875/yr net price, Knox College graduates earn $54,820/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,820/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,875 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,820/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,820/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,705/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,006/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,692/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,078/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,717/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $25,896 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $44,942 | $24,498 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $27,000 |
| 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 | $25,553 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 | $26,970 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $20,928 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
67.5% of students at Knox College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Knox College delivers below-average returns despite its relatively affordable $24,875 annual net price. With median 10-year earnings of $54,820 and typical debt loads of $27,000, you're looking at a payback period that stretches longer than most peer institutions.
Computer Science stands as Knox's clear financial winner, generating $67,660 in median earnings with manageable debt of $25,896. Economics graduates earn a respectable $44,942, though this trails national averages for the field. Education majors face particularly challenging economics, earning just $34,700 while carrying the highest debt burden at $27,000. Theatre and Romance Languages programs produce concerning returns, with graduates earning under $30,000 annually.
The 67.5% graduation rate creates additional financial risk since you only benefit from your investment if you complete your degree. Knox's 80% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands by sophomore year.
Knox works financially if you're pursuing Computer Science or can secure substantial merit aid to reduce that net price. The school's location in Galesburg limits local internship and job opportunities, making career services and alumni networks critical for post-graduation placement.
With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, Knox appears selective with need-based assistance. Focus your efforts on merit scholarships during the application process. If you're considering liberal arts majors outside of Economics, compare your total costs carefully against state university alternatives that offer similar programs at lower prices with potentially better regional job market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knox College worth the cost for most students?
Knox College graduates earn a median of $54,820 after 10 years, which is modest given the $24,875 annual net price. With a 67.5% graduation rate and $27,000 in typical debt, the return on investment is mixed and depends heavily on your major.
What are the best paying majors at Knox College?
Computer Science graduates from Knox College earn around $67,660, making it the clear financial winner. Economics majors earn $44,942, while education majors typically earn $34,704.
How much debt do Knox College graduates typically have?
Knox College graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for computer science and economics majors but creates financial stress for lower-paying fields like theater arts ($27,439 median earnings).
Does Knox College have a good graduation rate for the investment?
Knox College's 67.5% graduation rate means about one in three students don't finish their degree. For a school with a $24,875 annual net price, this completion rate adds significant financial risk.