Knox College

Location: Galesburg, IL (rural, large town)

Size: 1,154 students

Avg percent need-met: 87%

Acceptance rate: 71%

Middle 50% ACT: 23-31 **Test Optional**

Middle 50% SAT: 1100-1300 **Test Optional**

Knox is a well-rounded liberal arts college that values independent initiative, while staying true to its progressive roots. Classes are rigorous, and lots of time is spent studying, but the academic environment is largely noncompetitive. Students have space to learn and grow on their own, and campus has a somewhat quirky feel.

Popular majors / known for: Creative Writing, Biology, Business, Psychology

Academic approach: Liberal arts with a focus on hand-on learning opportunities.

Campus tradition: Pumphandle. On the day before the first day of fall term, everyone at Knox stands in a long, twisty line on the south lawn of Old Main. And one by one, you go down the line and shake everyone's hand. Some people wear costumes; some people get creative with their greetings; the spirit is, shall we say, giddy. And in the end you come to know everyone at Knox, face to face, hand to hand. Democratic, humanizing, time-consuming-and totally worth it.

Check out campus photos here!

Merit Aid Opportunities

  • 17% of non-need students receive merit aid, with the average offer being $26,743

  • Merit awards are based on academic achievement plus students' KnoX- Factor, or characteristics like artistic or musical ability, leadership, or just being a compelling person.

  • Each incoming student also receives a $2,000 Power of Experience grant to use their junior or senior year towards an internship, research opportunity, study abroad experience, or other opportunity

Application Details

RD deadline: January 15th

Early Action deadline: November 1st

Supplemental essays: Required for merit scholarship consideration

Application fee: $0

On Common App: Yes

CSS profile: N/A, does require the Knox College Financial Aid Application

Interviews: Considered

School also featured in: Midwest Schools

Page last updated: June 2022