“Founded 1829 — Illinois's first college and a national top-10 social mobility leader, where students graduate ready for what's next.”
Illinois College (IC) is a private liberal arts college founded in 1829, making it the first college established in the state of Illinois and one of the oldest colleges in the Midwest. Located on a 65-acre campus in the heart of Jacksonville, Illinois — about 35 miles west of Springfield — Illinois College combines its 196-year history with a thoroughly modern educational mission grounded in transformative outcomes for first-generation, underrepresented, and working-class students. The college is ranked #9 nationally for Social Mobility among liberal arts colleges by US News in 2026, reflecting its long-standing commitment to making elite liberal arts education accessible. With approximately 940 undergraduates and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Illinois College offers more than 80 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs, including distinctive Combined Degree Programs in Biology with Medical Technology, Biology with Occupational Therapy, Nursing (leading to Master's), and Physics with Engineering. These integrated pathways allow students to complete undergraduate and graduate or professional credentials in accelerated timelines through partner institutions. The college also features strong programs in business, education, communication, and the natural sciences, with 95% of enrolled students receiving grants or scholarships averaging $30,179. With its distinctive blend of urban and international students from Chicago and around the world, Illinois College fosters a more globally diverse community than its small-town setting might suggest. Campus life is residential and traditional. Students live in residence halls and engage in 80+ student organizations and 22 varsity and club athletic teams as the Blueboys and Lady Blues — names that date back to the college's earliest athletic identity. Illinois College competes in NCAA Division III through the Midwest Conference. The college's commitment to civic engagement, leadership development, and personal growth reflects the founding ideals of the missionary settlers who established it nearly two centuries ago. With a 75-78% acceptance rate, generous merit aid, and ranked top in social mobility, Illinois College delivers exceptional value as a launching point for students prepared to lead.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Social Mobility — Liberal Arts Colleges
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Action
Non-binding; priority scholarship review
Regular Decision
Rolling review for fall semester
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$38,676
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Strong programs in biology, chemistry, and pre-health pathways, including distinctive Combined Degree Programs leading to Master's credentials.
Liberal arts business education with strong career placement and accounting specialization.
Programs in literature, history, philosophy, religion, psychology, sociology, and political science.
Comprehensive teacher preparation with K-12 licensure pathways.
Distinctive accelerated pathways combining undergraduate study with master's or professional credentials at partner institutions.
4 years
Distinctive accelerated pathways including Biology with Medical Technology, Biology with Occupational Therapy, Nursing leading to Master's, and Physics with Engineering — rare offerings at small liberal arts colleges.
4 years
Comprehensive pre-health preparation with strong placement in medical, dental, and allied health professional programs.
4 years
Liberal arts business education with strong placement in regional and Chicago-area employers.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $38,676
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
