About Quincy University
Quincy University builds teachers and business leaders in a close-knit Catholic community along the Mississippi River. The school enrolls 1,038 students in this remote Illinois town, where education and business programs anchor the academic offerings. With a 61.70% acceptance rate, Quincy welcomes students who want personalized attention in a faith-centered environment.
Despite a $35,740 sticker price, most students pay far less through generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $17,324, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,549 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $50,369 ten years out, while carrying $24,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $254 represent a manageable burden given the earning potential.
Athletics dominate campus life with 702 student-athletes competing across 25 Division II sports. Nearly 68% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused culture. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student's name. However, the 42.70% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, and the 64.03% retention rate indicates others transfer elsewhere after their first year.
Despite a $35,740 sticker price, most students pay far less through generous aid packages. The average net price drops to $17,324, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,549 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $50,369 ten years out, while carrying $24,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $254 represent a manageable burden given the earning potential.
Athletics dominate campus life with 702 student-athletes competing across 25 Division II sports. Nearly 68% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused culture. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student's name. However, the 42.70% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish, and the 64.03% retention rate indicates others transfer elsewhere after their first year.
Academics & Faculty
Quincy University operates as a Catholic liberal arts college with a strong focus on education and business programs that have built the school's academic reputation. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, the 42.70% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees despite this close faculty attention. The college emphasizes practical career preparation through its education programs, which train future teachers for regional schools. Business students benefit from hands-on learning and internship opportunities in the Quincy area. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, though this broad approach doesn't work for everyone seeking immediate career focus.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.7%
- Retention Rate
- 64.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,369
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $45,500 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,468 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,305 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
Campus Life
This small Catholic campus houses 745 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where 72% of the 1,038 enrolled students live on campus. The brick buildings and tree-lined quads sit in Quincy, a Mississippi River town about 120 miles from St. Louis. You'll need heavy winter coats for Illinois winters and light layers for humid summers.
With 57% men and 43% women, the gender balance skews slightly male, partly due to strong athletic programs that field 25 varsity teams with 702 total athletes. Weekend life revolves around Hawks games in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and Catholic campus ministry events. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and hometown. Students often gather at the campus pub or venture downtown to the historic arts district along the riverfront. Many participate in service projects reflecting the Franciscan mission. With just over 1,000 students total, you'll recognize faces across campus and form close friendships through small classes and shared residence hall experiences.
With 57% men and 43% women, the gender balance skews slightly male, partly due to strong athletic programs that field 25 varsity teams with 702 total athletes. Weekend life revolves around Hawks games in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and Catholic campus ministry events. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and hometown. Students often gather at the campus pub or venture downtown to the historic arts district along the riverfront. Many participate in service projects reflecting the Franciscan mission. With just over 1,000 students total, you'll recognize faces across campus and form close friendships through small classes and shared residence hall experiences.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 745 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–35°F
- July Avg
- 67°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.0"
Student Demographics
Quincy University draws a regionally focused student body with 52% coming from Illinois and surrounding Midwest states. The Catholic institution attracts students seeking a faith-based education in a small-town setting along the Mississippi River. Men slightly outnumber women at 57%, reflecting strong enrollment in business and athletics programs. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making Catholic higher education accessible to working-class families. The diverse mix includes significant Black and Hispanic representation, creating a welcoming community for students from various backgrounds seeking personal attention in their studies.
- Men
- 57.1%
- Women
- 42.9%
- White
- 67.1%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 7.3%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 52.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.6%
Location
Quincy sits along the Mississippi River in western Illinois, about 120 miles from St. Louis. The town of 40,000 residents creates a tight-knit community feel around the university's 1,038 students. This historic river town maintains its small-city charm while offering access to outdoor recreation along the mighty Mississippi. The campus occupies a scenic bluff overlooking the river valley. With 52% of students coming from in-state, many appreciate staying close to home in this quintessential Midwest setting. The remote town atmosphere means fewer distractions but also fewer entertainment options compared to larger college cities. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Quincy University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Quincy, Illinois 62301-2699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,369
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,581
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Quincy University?
Quincy University accepts 61.70% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Catholic liberal arts college. The school attracts students seeking personal attention in a faith-based environment along the Mississippi River.
How much does Quincy University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,324 after aid, less than the $35,740 sticker price. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $31,052 to help make this Catholic education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Quincy University?
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures small classes and personal mentorship at this liberal arts college. With only 1,038 students total, Quincy emphasizes close relationships between professors and students in programs like education and business.
What are the employment outcomes for Quincy University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.5% employment rate and earn a median salary of $50,369 ten years after graduation. However, only 42.70% complete their degree within six years, reflecting challenges common at smaller regional institutions.
Where do students live at Quincy University?
The campus houses 745 students in residence halls, serving a community of 1,038 total enrollment. About half the students come from Illinois, while others travel to this Mississippi River town for the close-knit Catholic college experience.
Does Quincy University have strong athletics programs?
The Hawks compete in NCAA Division II with 25 varsity sports and 702 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $4 million, making sports a major part of campus life at this Great Lakes Valley Conference school.
