Knox College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Knox College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,136 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Knox College is located in Galesburg, IL (Distant Town setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Knox College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Knox College 11:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Knox College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Knox College or Willamette University? 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 Willamette University ($25,709 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Knox College are 33.6% lower than at Willamette University ($10,728 vs. $16,150).
• Knox College is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $6,747 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Knox College than at Willamette University (about $6,747 more per year; $57,903.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Knox College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Knox College students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($42,532 vs. $38,080).

Knox College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 30 points higher than at Knox College (1310).
• Incoming Willamette University 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; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Knox College 21/32; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Knox College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Knox College Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Knox College (70.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Knox College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Knox College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Knox College and Willamette University? 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 Willamette University's (77%).
• Graduates from Willamette University 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, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Knox College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Knox College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Knox College students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.