When considering attending a liberal arts college, it is essential to compare different aspects, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes. In this article, we will be comparing two liberal arts colleges: Knox College and St Olaf College. Each section will provide an in-depth analysis of the two schools, which will ultimately help prospective students make an informed decision.
Knox College Overview
Knox College, founded in 1837, is a private liberal arts college located in Galesburg, Illinois. The college offers a wide range of majors and minors, along with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and interdisciplinary studies. Knox College is known for its diverse student body, personalized attention from faculty, and commitment to social justice.
Knox College Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Knox College for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $62,235. This amount includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and the average financial aid package is around $32,892.
Knox College Admissions
Knox College has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 65%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score ranging between 23 and 30, and an SAT score between 1050 and 1270. Knox College is test-optional and does not require standardized test scores for admission, although submitting them may enhance a student’s application.
Knox College Degrees Offered
Knox College offers over 60 majors and minors across various disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Popular programs include biology, creative writing, psychology, environmental studies, and international relations. Students also have the option to design their own major through the college’s independent study program.
Knox College Academics
Knox College has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support from professors. The college’s curriculum is centered around experiential learning and interdisciplinary studies, encouraging students to explore connections between different fields of study. Students are also encouraged to participate in research, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their academic experience.
Knox College Diversity
Knox College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The student body represents 45 states and 49 countries, and nearly 30% of the students identify as a person of color. The college also has numerous affinity groups and multicultural organizations to support students from various backgrounds.
Knox College Students
Knox College has a total enrollment of approximately 1,300 students, most of whom live on-campus. The college’s residential community is known for its friendly and collaborative atmosphere, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events to help students engage with one another. Knox College is a NCAA Division III school and offers 21 varsity sports for student-athletes.
Knox College Campus
The Knox College campus is a historic and picturesque 82-acre campus, featuring a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The campus is home to numerous academic, residential, and recreational facilities, including a state-of-the-art science center, a modern fitness center, and several performance spaces for music, theater, and dance.
Knox College Alumni
Knox College alumni have gone on to have successful careers in various industries, including academia, business, government, and the arts. Notable alumni include poet Carl Sandburg, journalist Bill Whitaker, and actress Kasi Lemmons.
Knox College Rankings
Knox College consistently ranks among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. The college has also been recognized for its commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and innovative curriculum.
Knox College Outcomes
The average starting salary for Knox College graduates is around $44,000. The college has a strong alumni network and provides resources and support for students seeking internships, research opportunities, and post-graduate employment.
St Olaf College Overview
St Olaf College, founded in 1874, is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota. The college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and offers a range of majors and minors in various disciplines. St Olaf College is known for its strong focus on global learning, high-quality music programs, and commitment to sustainability.
St Olaf College Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at St Olaf College for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $62,300. This amount includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available for eligible students, and the average financial aid package is around $30,704.
St Olaf College Admissions
St Olaf College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 48%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score ranging between 24 and 31, and an SAT score between 1160 and 1380. St Olaf College is test-optional and does not require standardized test scores for admission, although submitting them may enhance a student’s application.
St Olaf College Degrees Offered
St Olaf College offers more than 50 majors and concentrations across various disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Popular programs include biology, economics, psychology, music, and political science. Students also have the option to design their own major through the college’s Center for Integrative Studies.
St Olaf College Academics
St Olaf College has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and support from professors. The college’s curriculum is centered around global learning, with a strong emphasis on study abroad programs and interdisciplinary studies. Students are also encouraged to participate in research, internships, and community engagement projects to enhance their academic experience.
St Olaf College Diversity
St Olaf College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The student body represents 46 states and 97 countries, and nearly 20% of the students identify as a person of color. The college also has numerous affinity groups and multicultural organizations to support students from various backgrounds.
St Olaf College Students
St Olaf College has a total enrollment of approximately 3,000 students, most of whom live on-campus. The college’s residential community is known for its friendly and collaborative atmosphere, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and events to help students engage with one another. St Olaf College is a NCAA Division III school and offers 27 varsity sports for student-athletes.
St Olaf College Campus
The St Olaf College campus is a beautiful and expansive 300-acre campus, featuring a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The campus is home to numerous academic, residential, and recreational facilities, including a state-of-the-art science center, a modern fitness center, and several performance spaces for music, theater, and dance.
St Olaf College Alumni
St Olaf College alumni have gone on to have successful careers in various industries, including academia, business, government, and the arts. Notable alumni include author Siri Hustvedt, politician Walter Mondale, and composer Stephen Paulus.
St Olaf College Rankings
St Olaf College consistently ranks among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. The college has also been recognized for its commitment to global learning, environmental sustainability, and high-quality music programs.
St Olaf College Outcome
The average starting salary for St Olaf College graduates is around $47,000. The college has a strong alumni network and provides resources and support for students seeking internships, research opportunities, and post-graduate employment.
Knox College vs St Olaf College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Knox College and St Olaf College, both institutions have similar overall costs. The total cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at Knox College is approximately $62,235, while at St Olaf College, it is approximately $62,300.
Financial aid is available for eligible students at both colleges. The average financial aid package at Knox College is around $32,892, while at St Olaf College, it is around $30,704. While the differences in costs and financial aid packages are not significant, it is essential for students and their families to consider their individual financial situations when making a decision.
Knox College vs St Olaf College Admissions Difficulty
Knox College has a more lenient admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 65%, compared to St Olaf College, which has a more competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of around 48%. Both colleges are test-optional and do not require standardized test scores for admission, but submitting them may enhance a student’s application.
The middle 50% of admitted students at Knox College have an ACT score ranging between 23 and 30, and an SAT score between 1050 and 1270. At St Olaf College, the middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score ranging between 24 and 31, and an SAT score between 1160 and 1380. Thus, St Olaf College generally admits students with higher standardized test scores.
Knox College vs St Olaf College Academic Difficulty
Both Knox College and St Olaf College place a strong emphasis on experiential learning and interdisciplinary studies. The student-faculty ratios at the two colleges are similar, with Knox College having a ratio of 11:1 and St Olaf College having a ratio of 12:1. This indicates that students at both institutions are likely to receive personalized attention and support from professors.
While the academic difficulty of individual courses and programs may vary, both colleges offer challenging and rigorous curricula designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students should consider their academic interests and goals when deciding between Knox College and St Olaf College.
Knox College vs St Olaf College Outcome Comparison
The average starting salary for Knox College graduates is around $44,000, while for St Olaf College graduates, it is around $47,000. While the difference in starting salaries is not significant, it is important for students to consider factors such as alumni networks, resources, and support for internships and post-graduate employment when making a decision.
Both colleges consistently rank among the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. However, they have distinct areas of recognition, with Knox College being recognized for its commitment to social justice and innovative curriculum, while St Olaf College is known for its global learning initiatives and high-quality music programs.
Ultimately, prospective students should carefully consider their academic interests, financial situation, and desired college atmosphere when deciding between Knox College and St Olaf College. Both colleges offer unique opportunities for personal and intellectual growth, and the best choice will depend on individual priorities and preferences.
