About Knox College

Founded in 1837, Knox College. is a Private college. Located in Illinois, which is a city setting in Illinois, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 1,359 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The Knox College Academic calendar runs on a Trimester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 11:1. There are 114 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Knox College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate65%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,37% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

96% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 69% were in the top quarter, and 33% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Knox College.

1%
“We”re apathetic”
5%
“We know about current events and vote”
49%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
45%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
7%
“Sometimes, but not often”
42%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
48%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
42%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
54%
“I feel extremely safe”
64%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
34%
“We bought the gear”
3%
“We live for the big game”
1%
“It”s not really our thing”
5%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
43%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
51%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
20%
“They keep regular office hours”
73%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
47%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
48%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
4%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
59%
“We only party on weekends”
28%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
40%
“There might be people who do”
47%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
10%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
1%
“We”re apathetic”
5%
“We know about current events and vote”
49%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
45%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
2%
“We save it for the classroom”
7%
“Sometimes, but not often”
42%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
48%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
42%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
54%
“I feel extremely safe”
64%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
34%
“We bought the gear”
3%
“We live for the big game”
1%
“It”s not really our thing”
5%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
43%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
51%
“We”re a very artistic group”
4%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
20%
“They keep regular office hours”
73%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
47%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
48%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
4%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
13%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
59%
“We only party on weekends”
28%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
4%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
40%
“There might be people who do”
47%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
10%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Knox College REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    87 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    60 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    87 Students rated campus food 3.1 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    87 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    87 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 75 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    86 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    86 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    87 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Knox College?

38 Students rated Knox College

Shamecia - 07/15/2022

The school is average. Academics are pretty good: class sizes are small though and there are few faculty for each department. Town is small too and some of the housing is outdated.

Devin - 01/24/2021

Knox College was unlike any other school I toured. It stood out in one specific word: genuine. Every other school I toured was more concerned about the quantity versus quality. While I'm sure Knox values quantity, for them, quality came first. They prioritized my specific needs before I was even a student, and that's the reason I chose this college. I felt like an individual rather than a number, and that is still true as a student today.

Kaitlyn - 01/17/2021

I love it! Despite the pandemic, they have offered a pretty comprehensive experience and I am happier there than I have ever been. The community of students, professors, and faculty have been incredible and I have been happy with the campus offerings. I also love Galesburg and the unique character it offers students to explore.

Leslie

I look the overall school very much but it still needs some improvement in areas like the price of housing and board, and school food. The class sizes at Knox are great and personal, you will always be able to talk to your professors. The campus is also very lively and kind.

Knox College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Knox College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Knox College is 65%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    College is an experience for the better, that's for sure. You get to meet new people which definately helps your social skills. Besides the college social life, the education now a days to get a good job is absolutely a deciding factors in who gets the job and who does not. You learn the reality of being out on your own, with nobody to fall back on. It has certainly been a maturing process for me and I am sure the majority of college students as well.

    Read all  60 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My class mates at Knox College were all extremely passionate; passionate about learning, about helping one another and their community, about building a strong a community, and there is nothing more inspiring than learning along side them.

    Read all  50 answers
  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Knox could fall under the Cheer's theme song ("Where everybody knows your name...") because the size of the campus really does lead to an overwhelming awareness of every one on campus. You may not know a person, but you definitely know who they are and probably something about them. This gives the campus a personal and comfortable feel that sometimes can be overwhelming or lead to what some call our "rumor mill" or "gossip mill," but which mostly provides the energy and life of our campus social life and I don't think that most people would be willing to give it up if they really though about it. Everyone has a niche on campus, whether you are the gaming type, activist type, uber-academic, fun-loving, athletic, or any other category that you would be willing to file yourself under. Your interests and extra curriculars really define who you are on our campus and there are plenty of opportunities to create your own niche. At Knox, you really feel like you have the power to accomplish things. The administration understands that we are adults who are capable of making many decisions for ourselves and allows us to learn from the challenges we may face by trying to make them. Independence and freedom are two qualities that I say define every part of the Knox experience.

    Read all  49 answers
  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    Student-professor relationships at Knox are very strong. Class sizes are always small with the exception of large introductory classes that usually fall under the sciences, and even then, professors are extremely accessible. Professors want to help you, guide you, and challenge you to go above and beyond what is assigned. They are truly interested and passionate about what they are teaching and that is reflected in how their enthusiasm spreads to the student body. Many students pursue topics and things that would not normally be presented in the mainstream, but which can easily be researched in the Knox environment. Knox provides a very inter-disciplinary environment where you can always apply what you are learning in one class to another even if on the surface the two subjects seem totally irrelatable. Studying is definitely a necessity at Knox if you want to make the top grades. Independent work is a big component so you must be able to have a good sense of self-discipline to keep yourself on track. The trimester system is nice because you only take approximately three classes at a time which allows you to focus more on what you are learning.

    Read all  46 answers
  6. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Knox certainly has students that stand out as weird or bizarre, but overall I think we are just your average representation of society. We were all probably the smart kid in highschool who was friends with people from every social group and got along with everybody.

    Read all  44 answers
  7. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    I have heard that all students at Knox are a bunch of weirdos. I have also heard that everyone at Knox is gay. I hear lots of people talk about the 'Knox bubble,' where students and faculty tend to shut themselves off from the so-called 'townies.'

    Read all  44 answers
  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Despite the small size of Galesburg, there is so much going on within our campus that many students don't even notice their surroundings at all and exist in what we call the "Knox bubble." Plays go up almost every week, dance shows, art shows, sports events, and events put on by the Union Board are always going on as well. Students spend their time with the clubs and organizations they choose to involve themselves in. Free time can be spent how you want: you could hang out with your friends or fill your time with club meetings, IM and NCAA sports, or working on academic projects. The living environment for first years at Knox is extremely conducive to meeting your closest friends at Knox as these people become much like your college family and share in everything with you. Many of the groups paired together in their first year, continue to live together for the rest of their time at Knox. Parties definitely go on during the weekend, but it is by no means the only option for socializing. The Greek organizations on campus have a strong presence, but one that is much different from the stereotyped images of Greek life nationally. Members are highly involved in other organizations on campus and the groups definitely reinforce the often ignored positive aspects of Greek life such as leadership development, the creation of support systems, and social and philanthropic involvement.

    Read all  39 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    It is not hard to meet a friend. People usually come up to new students and show them around as well as show them what the school has to offer. There is also tons of beautiful nature to explore and study in. Every place that you look on my campus is a marvel.

    Read all  29 answers
  10. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    Professors of the sciences generally do not curve course grades as is customary at state universities. This makes it more difficult for our students to get the same grade , and therefore, a comparable GPA to state school students. When applying to graduate schools we are at a disadvantage unless our school's curriculum is very familiar with the graduate school's admission staff.

    Read all  18 answers
  11. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Spanish

    Read all  13 answers
  12. What's unique about your campus?

    Knox College encourages it's students to question at every turn, teaching them not what to think, but how to think. This tool proved to be invaluable when I entered the work force, and has been the strongest asset I have relied upon to further my career. The nurturing atmosphere cultivated by each professor, and the strong sense of community that follows you long after your diploma is in hand. Offering coninuing resources, support and advice. It is the very definition of a liberal arts college, providing an education that prepares you not simply for graduation, but for life.

    Read all  13 answers
  13. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who doesn't want to be active in clubs or on campus activites, not up to a heavy work load, not up to learing a lot in a short period of time.

    Read all  12 answers
  14. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    When talking about Knox College I always mention the academic programs, ability to communicate with faculty, and the respect that the college has for the students.

    Read all  12 answers
  15. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Knox is best known for its strong academics.

    Read all  9 answers
  16. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Although Knox College is very liberal, it is also a community and a great place to learn about different people; as well as to discover what you have to offer this world.

    Read all  9 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Many seem to characterize the typical Knox student as a 'loner' or a 'geek' or an 'outcast'. While Knox College is certainly the destination for high school outcasts that never really 'fit in,' it is also the destination for countless jocks. With around 1/3 of the student body electing to 'Go Greek' as the common saying goes, it should be clear that the social environment at Knox College is centered around alcohol, party culture, and sports. The athletic department is in disrepair, however, with the football team winning 2 games over the previous 2 seasons combined (and the Men's Basketball team finishing with 2 wins and over 20 losses last season). This leads to a vague sense of 'jock unrest' culminating in garbage cans being littered throughout campus every weekend night. The campus is ugly and dirty because of it, adding to the impossibly bleak campus aesthetic. While this certainly isn't the only social activity at Knox, the 'outcast' portion of the student body hangs out in Post Lobby (the all-girls dormitory's public lobby) and plays video games, Magic: The Gathering, various online MMORPG's, and participates in Knox College's very own Live-Action Role-Playing Club (LARC). If you aren't an outcast or a jock, you may be out of luck, unless you can deal with a choice of larping or a frat party each weekend.

    Read all  9 answers
  18. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Some one who's open minded, hard-working, very socially and academically active as well as an all around friendly person who thinks outside of the box.

    Read all  7 answers
  19. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    Knox played itself up as very academic, which it really isn't. At least, not compared to, say, University of Chicago or Washington Univertsity. I was highly prepared in my public high school, unusually so, with amazing faculty and an IB Dploma, and Knox is not difficult enough for me. It's a great school for growing up, learning who you are, and exploring human relations among your proffesors and peers. But if you already know who you are and you've been exposed to liberal ideas, Knox is not that big of a deal.

    Read all  5 answers
  20. What's the Greek scene like?

    The Greek scene at Knox is very different than at other schools. It does not control the social scene and the campus is less than 20 percent Greek. I never felt pressured to join a Greek organization and went into Knox having a very stereotypical view about Greek life. I thought it would be like all of the horror stories I had read about and heard about at bigger Universities. Knox Greek life in comparison to other institutions is accepting, diverse, and in my experience very philanthropy based. A unique aspect about sorority life in general is that the women who are a part of Greek organizations do no live in their sorority houses so students can live with people from all organizations and there is not a huge divide that exists. Plus since Knox is over 175 years old, the history that exists within the Greek organizations is extremely inspiring and the women who are Greek at Knox are all unique and passionate about the school and their organization.

    Read all  2 answers
  21. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    The sport scene is LAME! Yes, we do have teams but they are *in my best puerto rican accent* ¡Terrible! How can I put this nicely. If you're are expecting to go to a school with "Ws" under their belt. Do not. I repeat, DO NOT come to Knox. The football team just wreaks disappoint. Anyone who doesn't agree is in denial. That's just the truth of it. Sad part is whatever the sport, the girls team always does better than their male counterparts but draw smaller crowds. No bueno. I even used to be apart of the softball team my freshman year and quite mid-season. The loses weren't worth me being pulled out of classes. But, a little hurt never hurt nobody. Just know, you have been warned!

    Read all  2 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

1,359

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

35%

Out-Of-State

45%

In-State

20%

International

Organizations

92

Student Organizations

6

Fraternities

4

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

83%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
6%
% Black or African-American
8%
% Hispanic/Latino
14%
% White or Caucasian
49%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

98% of students attending Knox College receive some sort of financial aid. 36% were awarded federal grants. While 63% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$43,285

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$900

Books and Supplies

$9,330

Room and Board

53,515

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$14,135
$30 - $48K
$16,132
$48 - $75K
$20,635
$75 - $110K
$23,448
$110K & UP
$29,758

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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