Knox College vs Wheaton College

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CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Knox College vs Wheaton College Introduction

Choosing the right college is a crucial decision for students. In this comparison, we will evaluate two reputable liberal arts colleges in Illinois: Knox College and Wheaton College. We will examine various aspects, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, student life, campus, and outcomes, to help you make an informed decision about which school may be the best fit for your educational needs.

Knox College Overview

Knox College, founded in 1837, is a private liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois. The college offers an intimate learning environment with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, allowing for close personal connections between students and professors. Knox College emphasizes experiential learning and independent research, with over 60 majors and minors to choose from.

Knox College Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance for Knox College, including tuition, fees, room, and board for the 2021-2022 academic year, is $63,702. However, the college offers significant financial aid opportunities, with over 90% of students receiving some form of financial aid. The average financial aid package is approximately $36,000.

Knox College Admissions

Knox College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 65%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score between 23 and 30 and a combined SAT score between 1090 and 1260. To apply, students can use the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Knox College is also test-optional, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores.

Knox College Degrees Offered

Knox College offers over 60 majors and minors, covering a wide range of academic disciplines, such as anthropology, creative writing, economics, environmental studies, film studies, and neuroscience, among others. The college also offers pre-professional programs in areas like law, medicine, and engineering.

Knox College Academics

With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, Knox College encourages students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad programs. The college also features a unique immersive term called “Knox Now,” which allows students to focus on a single course or project for three and a half weeks.

Knox College Diversity

Knox College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The college’s student body is composed of approximately 44% students of color and 17% international students from over 50 countries.

Knox College Students

Knox College has a small student population of around 1,300 students, with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. The college offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, including service-oriented clubs, political groups, cultural organizations, and academic societies.

Knox College Campus

The Knox College campus spans 82 acres in Galesburg, Illinois, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Whitcomb Art Center and the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center, as well as ample green spaces and recreational facilities.

Knox College Alumni

Notable Knox College alumni include poet Carl Sandburg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bill Dedman, and United States Senator and Vice President Adlai Stevenson I.

Knox College Rankings

Knox College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Knox College #128 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #59 in Best Value Schools.

Knox College Outcomes

Knox College boasts a strong post-graduation success rate, with 90% of graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The college also has a strong alumni network, providing graduates with valuable connections and resources.

Wheaton College Overview

Wheaton College, established in 1860, is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Wheaton, Illinois. The college is known for its strong emphasis on faith and learning, offering more than 40 majors and minors in a variety of academic disciplines. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, Wheaton College promotes close relationships between students and faculty.

Wheaton College Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance at Wheaton College for the 2021-2022 academic year, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is $55,350. The college provides financial aid to over 80% of its students, with the average financial aid package totaling $28,000.

Wheaton College Admissions

With an acceptance rate of around 84%, Wheaton College has a selective admissions process. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score between 25 and 32 and a combined SAT score between 1220 and 1420. Students can apply using the Common Application or the Wheaton-specific application.

Wheaton College Degrees Offered

Wheaton College offers more than 40 majors and minors in various academic fields, including biblical studies, communication, engineering, global health, international relations, and music, among others. In addition, the college provides several pre-professional programs and graduate degrees.

Wheaton College Academics

Wheaton College integrates faith and liberal arts education, encouraging students to develop spiritually as well as academically. The college provides opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs, with a focus on helping students develop a Christian worldview.

Wheaton College Diversity

Approximately 25% of Wheaton College’s student body identifies as students of color, and the college has a growing international student population, representing over 40 countries.

Wheaton College Students

Around 2,400 undergraduate students attend Wheaton College, with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. The college offers more than 100 student clubs and organizations, including faith-based clubs, service organizations, and academic societies.

Wheaton College Campus

The Wheaton College campus covers 80 acres in Wheaton, Illinois, and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is home to the Billy Graham Center, which houses the Billy Graham Museum and the Institute for Strategic Evangelism.

Wheaton College Alumni

Notable Wheaton College alumni include evangelist Billy Graham, former US House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and author and speaker Philip Yancey.

Wheaton College Rankings

Wheaton College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Wheaton College #54 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #21 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.

Wheaton College Outcomes

Wheaton College reports that approximately 94% of its graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The college also has a strong alumni network, providing valuable resources and connections for graduates.

Knox College vs Wheaton College Cost Comparison

Both Knox College and Wheaton College have similar costs of attendance, with Knox College’s estimated cost at $63,702 and Wheaton College’s at $55,350 for the 2021-2022 academic year. However, both schools offer substantial financial aid packages to help offset these costs. Knox College provides an average financial aid package of $36,000, while Wheaton College offers an average package of $28,000. Prospective students should consider their individual financial situations and the availability of financial aid when comparing the two schools.

Knox College vs Wheaton College Admissions Difficulty

Knox College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 65%, while Wheaton College has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 84%. Both schools have similar standardized test score ranges for admitted students. Knox College is test-optional, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit test scores, while Wheaton College requires standardized test scores for admission. Applicants should consider their academic profiles and the schools’ respective admissions criteria when deciding between the two colleges.

Knox College vs Wheaton College Academic Difficulty

Both Knox College and Wheaton College are known for their rigorous academics and small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention from faculty. Knox College focuses on experiential learning and independent research, while Wheaton College emphasizes the integration of faith and learning. Students should consider their learning preferences and the academic programs offered at each school when making their decision.

Knox College vs Wheaton College Outcome Comparison

Both Knox College and Wheaton College have strong post-graduation outcomes, with Knox College reporting a 90% success rate and Wheaton College reporting a 94% success rate for graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, both schools have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and resources for graduates. Students should consider their future goals and the resources available at each institution when choosing between Knox College and Wheaton College.