Knox College vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Iowa State University is larger than Knox College based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 1,136 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Knox College is located in Galesburg, IL (Distant Town setting); Iowa State University is in Ames, IA (Small City setting).
• Knox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Knox College 11:1; Iowa State University 18:1.

Knox College vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Knox College or ISU? 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 Iowa State University than Knox College ($17,779 vs. $25,709).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Knox College are 0.7% lower than at Iowa State University ($10,728 vs. $10,808).
• Knox College is 436.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $47,116 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.5% higher at Knox College than at Iowa State University (about $29,022 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Knox College than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Knox College students is 294.1% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($42,532 vs. $10,791).

Knox College vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Knox College or ISU? 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 ISU and Knox College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Knox College (1310) is 70 points higher than at ISU (1240).
• 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: Knox College 1180/1440; Iowa State University 1120/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 21/32; Iowa State University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Knox College - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Knox College Jan 15, 2027.
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Knox College (70.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Knox College vs. 28.8% at ISU.

Knox College vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Knox College and ISU? 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 Iowa State University's (68%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Knox College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $3,132 lower median loan debt than Knox College graduates ($23,868 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Knox College graduates ($246 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.