In this article, we will compare two respected schools, Illinois College and Lawrence University. We will look at their overviews, costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By examining these aspects, we hope to provide a comprehensive comparison for prospective students and their families.
Illinois College Overview
Illinois College, founded in 1829, is a private liberal arts college located in Jacksonville, Illinois. The college offers a wide range of majors and minors, as well as pre-professional and special programs. With an emphasis on experiential learning, Illinois College provides its students with opportunities for internships, study abroad programs, and community service. The campus features a mix of historic and modern facilities, and the college prides itself on its commitment to sustainability.
Illinois College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Illinois College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $34,370, with room and board adding an additional $10,910. The college offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 99% of Illinois College students receive some form of financial assistance.
Illinois College Admissions
Admissions at Illinois College are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 67%. Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (either SAT or ACT). The college also recommends including letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, with an average SAT score of 1060 and an average ACT score of 23.
Illinois College Degrees Offered
Illinois College offers over 45 majors and minors in various fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and interdisciplinary studies. Some popular majors include biology, business administration, education, psychology, and communication. The college also offers pre-professional programs in areas such as law, medicine, and engineering.
Illinois College Academics
The college is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning. The faculty-to-student ratio is 12:1, which allows for personalized attention and a strong sense of community. Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Associated Colleges of Illinois.
Illinois College Diversity
Illinois College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The college has a diverse student body, with students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The college also offers a variety of programs and resources to support underrepresented students, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Illinois College Students
The student population at Illinois College is around 1,000, with a fairly even gender distribution. The college offers over 80 student organizations, clubs, and activities, ranging from academic and professional organizations to recreational and special interest groups. Athletics are an important part of campus life, with the college offering 22 varsity sports as part of the NCAA Division III.
Illinois College Campus
The 80-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The college’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its LEED-certified buildings and ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
Illinois College Alumni
Illinois College has a strong network of over 10,000 alumni, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields. Notable alumni include William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential candidate and the Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson, and Jonathan Baldwin Turner, an early advocate for land-grant universities.
Illinois College Rankings
Illinois College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the college was ranked #154 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #111 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Illinois College Outcomes
The college has a strong track record of producing successful graduates, with 94% of students securing employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Illinois College graduates is $36,800.
Lawrence Overview
Lawrence University, founded in 1847, is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music located in Appleton, Wisconsin. The university offers a broad range of majors, minors, and interdisciplinary programs, with a focus on collaborative learning and individualized attention. Lawrence’s campus is situated along the banks of the Fox River, providing students with a scenic setting for their studies.
Lawrence Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Lawrence University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $49,122, with room and board adding an additional $12,130. Lawrence offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Approximately 96% of Lawrence students receive some form of financial assistance.
Lawrence Admissions
Admissions at Lawrence University are considered moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (either SAT or ACT). The university also requires letters of recommendation and a personal essay. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, with an average SAT score of 1270 and an average ACT score of 28.
Lawrence Degrees Offered
Lawrence University offers over 40 majors and minors in a variety of fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. The university is also home to the renowned Lawrence Conservatory of Music, which offers degrees in areas such as music performance, music education, and music theory. Popular majors at Lawrence include biology, psychology, economics, and music.
Lawrence Academics
Lawrence University is known for its rigorous academics and collaborative learning environment. The faculty-to-student ratio is 9:1, allowing for close interaction between students and professors. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest.
Lawrence Diversity
Lawrence University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student body is made up of students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Lawrence also offers numerous resources, programs, and initiatives to support underrepresented students, such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and various multicultural student organizations.
Lawrence Students
The student population at Lawrence University is around 1,500, with a fairly even gender distribution. The university offers over 100 student organizations, clubs, and activities, ranging from academic and professional organizations to recreational and special interest groups. Athletics are a significant part of campus life at Lawrence, with the university offering 21 varsity sports as part of the NCAA Division III.
Lawrence Campus
The 88-acre campus combines historic and modern architecture, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. The university’s scenic setting along the Fox River offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Lawrence Alumni
Lawrence University has a strong network of over 15,000 alumni, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields. Notable alumni include Terry Moran, an ABC News correspondent, and Tony Shalhoub, an Emmy Award-winning actor.
Lawrence Rankings
Lawrence University consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the university was ranked #63 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #37 in Best Value Schools.
Lawrence Outcome
Lawrence University boasts a strong record of success for its graduates, with 94% of students securing employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Lawrence graduates is $42,200.
Illinois College vs Lawrence Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Illinois College and Lawrence University, it is important to consider both tuition and room and board. Illinois College’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $34,370, while Lawrence University’s tuition is $49,122. However, room and board at Illinois College are $10,910, compared to $12,130 at Lawrence.
Both colleges offer various financial aid options, and a significant percentage of students at each institution receive some form of financial assistance. At Illinois College, 99% of students receive financial aid, while at Lawrence, 96% of students receive aid.
Illinois College vs Lawrence Admissions Difficulty
Both Illinois College and Lawrence University have moderately competitive admissions, with acceptance rates of 67% and 62%, respectively. Lawrence University has slightly higher average GPAs and standardized test scores for admitted students, indicating that it may be slightly more challenging to gain admission. However, both institutions are looking for well-rounded students with strong academic records, extracurricular involvement, and personal characteristics.
Illinois College vs Lawrence Academic Difficulty
Both institutions are known for their rigorous academics, with strong liberal arts curricula and an emphasis on experiential learning. Faculty-to-student ratios are low at both schools (12:1 at Illinois College and 9:1 at Lawrence), which allows for personalized attention and a strong sense of community. In terms of academic difficulty, both schools are likely to be challenging but rewarding experiences for motivated students.
Illinois College vs Lawrence Outcome Comparison
Both Illinois College and Lawrence University have impressive outcomes for their graduates, with 94% of students securing employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation at both institutions. Graduates from both schools have found success in various fields, with notable alumni from each institution.
While the average starting salary for Illinois College graduates is $36,800, the average starting salary for Lawrence graduates is higher at $42,200. However, both schools provide a strong foundation for career success and lifelong learning, making either an excellent choice for prospective students.
