Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Illinois
Illinois, often celebrated for its bustling city of Chicago and rich history, is renowned for its array of liberal arts colleges. Ranging from larger institutions like Wheaton College to smaller colleges such as Greenville University, these institutions provide a wide array of academic options for students interested in a liberal arts education. This article explores these colleges in-depth, discussing their liberal arts programs, annual costs, enrollment figures, and SAT ranges.
Wheaton College – Illinois
Nestled in the suburban city of Wheaton, Wheaton College is a renowned evangelical liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Wheaton College offers over 40 undergraduate degrees in various liberal arts disciplines, including Philosophy, Sociology, and Political Science.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Wheaton College is approximately $37,700. The college enrolls about 2,400 undergraduate students, and the SAT range for admitted students is 1190-1380.
Illinois Wesleyan University
In Bloomington, Illinois, Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college known for its distinctive curriculum and vibrant campus community.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
The university offers a range of liberal arts programs, including History, Anthropology, English, and Theatre Arts.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Illinois Wesleyan University is approximately $49,346. The university has an enrollment of around 1,700 students, and the SAT range for admitted students is 1150-1360.
Lake Forest College
Situated near the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Forest College offers a liberal arts education focused on critical thinking and experiential learning.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Lake Forest provides a broad selection of liberal arts programs, from Music and Art to Philosophy and Religion.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Lake Forest College is about $48,008. The college enrolls nearly 1,500 students, with an SAT range of 1080-1280.
Augustana College – Illinois
In Rock Island, Augustana College delivers a rigorous liberal arts education grounded in a diverse and inclusive community.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Augustana College provides diverse liberal arts programs, such as Anthropology, World Languages, Literature, and Creative Writing.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Augustana College is approximately $44,369. The college enrolls about 2,500 students, and the SAT range for admitted students is 1080-1300.
Knox College
Knox College, based in Galesburg, prides itself on its innovative, student-centered approach to liberal arts education.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Knox College offers a comprehensive range of liberal arts majors, including Environmental Studies, International Relations, and Gender and Women’s Studies.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Knox College is approximately $47,352. The college enrolls around 1,300 students, with an SAT range of 1080-1330.
Monmouth College
Monmouth College, located in Monmouth, is a private liberal arts college known for its innovative curriculum and commitment to experiential learning.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Monmouth offers many liberal arts programs, including Communication Studies, Political Economy, and Classics.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Monmouth College is around $38,300. The college enrolls nearly 1,000 students; the SAT range for admitted students is 980-1190.
Rockford University
This university is located in Rockford and provides a liberal arts education emphasizing critical thinking and civic engagement.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Rockford University offers numerous liberal arts programs, such as Anthropology, English, and Philosophy.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Rockford University is about $31,099. The university enrolls around 1,250 students, with an SAT range of 930-1130.
Judson University
Judson University, located in Elgin, is a Christian liberal arts university that combines spiritual development with academic rigor.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Judson offers a range of liberal arts programs, including Architecture, Art and Design, and Music.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Judson University is approximately $29,920. The university enrolls about 1,300 students, and the SAT range for admitted students is 980-1170.
Illinois College
Illinois College in Jacksonville provides a rigorous liberal arts education focused on student development and community engagement.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Illinois College offers diverse liberal arts programs, such as History, Psychology, and Sociology.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Illinois College is around $34,370. The college enrolls about 1,000 students, with an SAT range of 980-1190.
Greenville University
Located in Greenville, this university is committed to providing a Christ-centered liberal arts education to its students.
Information About Liberal Arts Programs
Greenville University offers several liberal arts programs, including Criminal Justice, Digital Media, and Sports Management.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range
The annual cost at Greenville University is approximately $27,776. The university enrolls around 1,200 students, and the SAT range for admitted students is 930-1150.
In conclusion, Illinois boasts several excellent liberal arts colleges with unique strengths and offerings. As with any college search, it’s essential to consider various factors, including cost, size, academic offerings, location, and campus culture, when selecting the right institution.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Three Other States
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa
Iowa has a robust selection of liberal arts colleges, including Grinnell College, known for its strong academics and diverse student body, and Cornell College, noted for its innovative block plan.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan
In Michigan, institutions such as Kalamazoo College and Albion College provide high-quality liberal arts education with vital humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Indiana
Indiana’s liberal arts colleges, including DePauw University and Wabash College, offer various academic programs and opportunities for students interested in a well-rounded education.
How to Prepare for the SAT On Your Own
Self-study for the SAT can be an effective way to prepare for the exam. This process involves setting a study schedule, using quality study materials such as the Official SAT Study Guide, practicing with real SAT questions, and taking timed practice tests. Additionally, online resources like Khan Academy can provide valuable practice and tutorial videos.
