ISU vs. Knox College

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Knox College in Galesburg, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Knox College based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,136 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Knox College is in Galesburg, IL (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Knox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Knox College 11:1.

ISU vs. Knox College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Knox College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Illinois State University than Knox College ($21,369 vs. $25,709).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Knox College are 8.7% lower than at Illinois State University ($10,728 vs. $11,754).
• Knox College is 258.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $41,759 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.3% higher at Knox College than at Illinois State University (about $29,693 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Knox College than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Knox College students is 227.8% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($42,532 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Knox College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Knox College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Knox College and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Knox College (1310) is 210 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming Knox College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Knox College 1180/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Knox College 21/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Knox College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Knox College Jan 15, 2027.
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Knox College (70.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 11.5% at Knox College.

ISU vs. Knox College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Knox College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Knox College's six-year graduation rate (78%) is higher than Illinois State University's (71%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Knox College graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Knox College graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Knox College graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Knox College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.