Illinois College

With 80+ clubs and a campus where 85% of students live in college housing, IC leans heavily into the classic residential college experience. Sports (Division III) and Greek life add to the communal vibe, though the rural Jacksonville location means off-campus excitement is limited. The school promotes inclusivity, but Niche rankings suggest it’s not quite a standout for student life in Illinois—more ‘friendly’ than ‘vibrant.’ Still, weekly events—from gaming nights to music performances—keep downtime lively.

IC’s outcomes are a mixed bag. The six-year graduation rate sits at 60.9%—below the national average for private colleges—but 20% of graduates head directly to grad school. Early-career earnings data is sparse, though Illinois’s statewide reports suggest associate degree holders (not IC’s focus) see modest bumps over high school diplomas. For a school with IC’s price tag, the ROI may hinge on leveraging its strong alumni network in the Midwest.

Tuition ($40,290) and fees stack up predictably for a private college, but IC throws substantial merit aid at students—average institutional aid packages hit $19.7 million annually, with scholarships ranging from $12,000 to full tuition. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many students pay around $9,027 after aid, though exact figures vary. For families priced out of elite liberal arts colleges, IC’s aid strategy makes it a pragmatic alternative.

Illinois College is a budget-conscious liberal arts option with heart—its small classes and embedded skill-building (think: civic engagement baked into coursework) cater to students who want attention, not cutthroat competition. While it won’t dazzle with name recognition or stellar grad rates, its generous merit aid and tight-knit community appeal to Midwesterners seeking a traditional college experience without the cutthroat admissions or debt load of more prestigious peers.