Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Galesburg, Illinois
71.1% Acceptance Rate
Knox College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
71.1%Acceptance Rate
1250Avg SAT
26Avg ACT
$65,796Annual Cost
$54,820Grad Salary
29.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
71.1%
Avg SAT
1250
Avg ACT
26
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1120–1385
ACT Middle 50%
21–30
Need-Based Aid
29.7% receive Pell
Knox College, established in 1837, is Illinois' innovative liberal arts college with strengths in creative writing and sciences. The historic campus includes the Whitcomb Art Center. Knox's 'Prairie Fire' curriculum encourages interdisciplinary study.
Knox College Acceptance Rate
Knox College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Knox College is 71.1%. This means that 71 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 71.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Knox College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Knox College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Knox College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Knox College Without SAT or ACT?
Knox College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Knox College Average SAT Score: 1250
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Knox College is 1250 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1250 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1250 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1385 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Knox College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1120, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Knox College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 648 | 590 | 705 |
| SAT Reading | 605 | 530 | 680 |
| SAT Composite | 1250 | 1120 | 1385 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1120 then you are below most of the admitted students at Knox College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1385 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Knox College with a 1400 SAT?
With a 1400 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Knox College are good but the admission staff at Knox College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Knox College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Knox College is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 26 — Competitive
This score makes Knox College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 26 | 20 | 31 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 21 | 30 |
Can I get into Knox College with a 30 ACT?
A 30 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Knox College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Knox College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Knox College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Knox College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 30 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Knox College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Knox College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Knox College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Knox College Profile
Full Name
Knox College
City
Galesburg
State
Illinois
ZIP Code
61401
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Knox College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Knox College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Knox College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Knox College is $71,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.12%.
How much does a degree from Knox College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Knox College is $65,796. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Knox College is much less than this.
29.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 72 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Knox College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Knox College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Knox College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Knox College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $54,820. An average Knox College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Knox College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1212 | 27 |
| Howard University | Washington, DC | 1205 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Knox College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Saint Petersburg, FL | 1256 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Daytona Beach, FL | 1256 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Knox College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
Degree Programs at Knox College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Knox College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54,820 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $65,796 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
29.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Knox College is 71.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Admission to Knox College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1250 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1120–1385.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.