Knox College has received a high ranking from Forbes, both nationally and within Illinois, in the financial publication's "Grateful Graduates Index." The Index looks specifically at successful graduates and the support that they give back to their colleges.

In the 2016 Grateful Graduates Index, Knox is ranked among the top four schools in Illinois, along with the University of Chicago, Northwestern and Wheaton. Knox also is ranked 63rd in the nation among 200 private colleges and universities, regardless of size.

Forbes said the Index is designed to show how "the best colleges produce crop after crop of successful graduates, (who) show their appreciation by giving back in the form of donations...."

The Index looks at both the number of alumni who contribute and the amount given per student. It's "the best measure of a college's return-on-investment," said Matt Schifrin, Forbes' managing editor of investing, markets and personal finance.

The ranking was released in various Forbes publications during July. 

Knox just concluded the second record-setting year in a row for fundraising. More than 9,000 donors gave more than $13 million to Knox during the 2015-16 fiscal year that ended June 30, 2016.

The total includes a record-setting $3.8 million for the Knox Fund, which comprises gifts that go directly to current operations—the second consecutive year that the Knox Fund has topped the year before.

The total also includes $2 million for academic and campus facilities; $2.3 million to support faculty compensation and student expenses; $3.9 million in estate gifts; and $2.8 million from both public grants and private foundations to support academic programs.

"When Forbes says Knox has ‘grateful graduates,' that's a perfect description for the outstanding support that Knox receives from alumni and friends worldwide," said Knox College President Teresa Amott. "​Speaking on behalf of the faculty and students of Knox, ​we deeply appreciate this vote of confidence in both the college and in the community."