Knox College vs. Wheaton College

Comparable Facts

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

Wheaton College is larger than Knox College based on total student enrollment (2,874 students vs. 1,136 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Knox College is located in Galesburg, IL (Distant Town setting); Wheaton College is in Wheaton, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Knox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheaton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Knox College 11:1; Wheaton College 10:1.

Knox College vs. Wheaton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Knox College or Wheaton 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 Knox College than Wheaton College ($25,709 vs. $31,356).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Knox College are 17.5% lower than at Wheaton College ($10,728 vs. $13,010).
• Knox College is 27.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wheaton College (about $12,357 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.1% higher at Knox College than at Wheaton College (about $12,357 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $45,546.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Knox College than at Wheaton College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Knox College students is 52% larger than aid received by Wheaton College students ($42,532 vs. $27,987).

Knox College vs. Wheaton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheaton College (1370) is 60 points higher than at Knox College (1310).
• Incoming Wheaton College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Knox College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 1180/1440; Wheaton College 1260/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 21/32; Wheaton College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Knox College - Test optional; Wheaton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Knox College Jan 15, 2027; Wheaton College Aug 1, 2027.
• Wheaton College has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than Knox College (70.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Knox College vs. 29.9% at Wheaton College.

Knox College vs. Wheaton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Knox College and Wheaton 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).

• Wheaton College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Knox College's (78%).
• Graduates from Wheaton College earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Knox College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Knox College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Knox College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Wheaton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Knox College students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.