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Your Future is
Wide Open

Knox is a small liberal arts college with big ideas. We value openness, freedom, and putting your education and ideas to work. If that sounds like you, chances are, you’ll fit right in at Knox.

Your Future is
Wide Open

Knox is a small liberal arts college with big ideas. We value openness, freedom, and putting your education and ideas to work. If that sounds like you, chances are, you’ll fit right in at Knox.

Apply to Knox

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An open mind will take you far. Take your first step today.

Visit

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We'll open doors for you. Visit—literally or virtually—today!

Scholarships

A purple outline of a graduation cap and diploma

We offer big scholarships. Because you earned it.

  • A purple banner that says "Open Arms" on a light pole in front of a brick building.

    1837

    Knox College Founding

    With a historic mission of access, Knox has been transforming lives and empowering students for nearly 200 years.

    Our Mission

  • Knox faculty, staff, and students shake hands in a line on the Alumni Hall patio.

    19,000

    Alumni in Your Network

    Knox students have access to our alumni network from the moment you step on campus. You'll have opportunities to meet CEOs of leading businesses and public school teachers, to pursue internships at business across the nation, and to learn what life after Knox is like directly from our community.

    Meet our Alumni

The words "The Power of Knox" in purple letters surrounded by orange rays.

We believe in the power of . . .

A liberal arts education that produces multifaceted, well informed, and engaged citizens

Diverse perspectives, because you learn the most from the people least like you.

Humans who work collectively to solve our world’s greatest challenges.

Experience, because knowledge gains value when it’s applied.

A Knox education, one that empowers you to put your knowledge and skills to work for you, your community, nation, and world.

Discover the Power of Knox

First-Hand Thoughts on the Knox Experience

  • Filza Kahn '24, Computer Science Major

    I received a lot of support, not just from people who were studying here at the time, but also those who were working in Admissions. They were very open to my questions and very welcoming.

    Filza Khan '24

    Computer Science Major

    Meet Filza
  • Matthew Springer '24

    You meet people from all different majors, all different interests, and all different skill levels. It's a really good mix of people, and it allows you to build connections with them from all sorts of different backgrounds with similar interests to you.

    Matthew Sprenger '24

    Political Science Major, German & Psychology Double Minor

    Meet Matthew
  • Isaac Hughes '21

    So much of my experience at Knox began with an impromptu discussion with a peer or a faculty member, which then grew into research projects, independent studies, and more. Learning how to expose myself to these kinds of opportunities has been a skill that I have been able to deeply hone as a Knox student.

    Isaac Hughes '21

    Environmental Studies & Philosophy Double Major

    Meet Isaac

  • The Knox experience is truly unlike any other. The campus is on the smaller side, but for me, that just meant that my relationships ran deeper. Knox is special because of the people here.

    Kylie Hoang '20

    History Major, Museum Studies & Environmental Studies Double Minor

    Meet Kylie

Your Future is Open

At Knox College, when you open up to the world, a world of possibilities opens up to you.

Explore Your Future
A girl rides with the back of a convertible car with her arms and head thrown back with the wind. The car is on a country road with field on both sides. Animated stars, clouds, and polka dots fill the landscape.
sfsaddf

Find yourself at Knox.

Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever you want to do: Knox will help you succeed. We just ask that you be open to anything and everything. 

Apply Now Campus Life
  • Hiram Revels, Knox Class of 1857
  • Thomas Kurtz headshot
  • Carol Craig '89

A legendary education, inspiring true trailblazers

For nearly 200 years, Knox students have left the prairie to change their communities, nation, and world.

The Senator from Mississippi

Revels was the first black man to serve in the United States Senate and became the founding president of Alcorn College.

Hiram Revels, 1857

The Boot-Up Heard Round the World

Kurtz, the co-creator of the BASIC computer language, was known for his intellectual curiosity and analytical skills that would shape his future endeavors.

Thomas Kurtz ’50

Pilot, Engineer, Aerospace Entrepreneur

Carol Craig is the founder of Craig Technologies, an aerospace company that works with the Department of Defense, Boeing, and SpaceX.

Carol Craig '89

Knox News

More News & Stories
A collage of three people; Justin Hartley, Deborah F. Rutter, and Dorothy Tucker.

Knox College Announces 2026 Commencement Speaker Justin Hartley, Western Illinois-Born Star of CBS’ Tracker

Knox College announced today that Western Illinois-born award winning-actor, producer, and star of CBS’s Tracker Justin Hartley will be the speaker and receive an honorary degree at its 2026 Commencement exercises this June. Hartley will be joined by internationally respected American arts executive and cultural leader Deborah F. Rutter and award-winning investigative reporter Dorothy Tucker, who will also receive honorary degrees during the ceremony

Read More
Knox Students pose during their Taiwan Immersive trip over winter break.

Students Immerse Themselves in Taiwanese History and Culture during Faculty-Led Trip

From the classroom and beyond, immersive courses offer hands-on learning

Read More
Old Main from the distance.

Six Ways Students Experience Spring Break

Students engage in academic, professional, volunteer, and athletic pursuits on and off campus.

Read More

Knox Community Raises more than $1.7 Million in Celebration of College’s Founding

Thanks to a matching gift campaign—Out-Raise the Roof—the Knox College community raised more than $1.7 million to honor the College’s 189th anniversary.

Read More

Is Knox for you?

Contact us to find out more about our comprehensive majors, minors, and programs.

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