Knox College
Galesburg, IL, USA

Reviews

Knox College

Grant from Arlington Heights, IL

a current student here
18 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Knox College is a fantastic school for the case in favor of liberal arts education. Even though the format of classes is drastically different than most traditional high schools, the less concrete and more philosophical topics that are usually tackled in the average class at Knox couldn't be explored any better than in the discussion format of most courses at this liberal arts college. As a Creative Writing and Education double major, I'm learning more about both fields than I ever did in High School, in large part because of this drastically different format. I've yet to encounter a professor who hasn't been unbelievably talented and knowledgeable in their field of study.
Am enjoying being here
I can't stress enough just how much I'm loving being at Knox. Considering I had very few complaints about my life before college, I would hope that says a lot. The community at Knox is extremely accepting and diverse, full of all kinds of 'quirky' and 'eccentric' people. It's not uncommon to see students running around campus with bubble guns, chasing around the dozens and dozens of squirrels and other such small animals that populate the campus, or getting together in a field for a 'paint fight'. If the great outdoors aren't your cup of tea, there are weekly console and role-playing nights in many different buildings throughout the school, an indoor gym if you want to work out or shoot some hoops, and a brand new lounge that is a great place to study, play pool, or just hang out.
I've never been in a community more open, diverse, and welcoming than Knox, and I can guarantee that any kind of person can find a niche in the Knox community.
Bang for the buck
Don't let the price tag scare you away: Knox gives out a very generous amount of financial aid, and even the offer they make to your is negotiable. When I was given my first financial aid deal, it had a bigger final price tag than my second choice. I e-mailed the financial aid office and explained my situation to them, and after providing the documents from my second choice, Knox sent me a new offer that beat the other school's, cementing Knox as the school I would attend the next fall.
Tips for prospective students
Keep an open mind and try new things! I met all kinds of new and interesting people just by being social during my orientation week.
When you decide which classes you're going to take in your first year, be open to new suggestions. Never taken an art class before? Try Drawing I. Want to try your hand at a short story you've always wanted to try? The Beginning Fiction Writing professors are top notch. I personally had never been a very physical person, but with the amazing gym available on campus, I've started working out more than ever.
Also, if you do choose to attend, try to fill out the roommate application as thoroughly and completely as you can. I did so, and my roommate and I are best friends now. Your roommate can make or break your experience at Knox, and being fortunate like me can make all the difference.
Don't forget to study in between all the fun, though. The class schedule gives a lot of time to yourself, but there is also the assumption that some of that time will be spent studying and getting work done. Even though there isn't the same busy work that comes up so often in high school, you will still have some homework and the fact that there is less of it just makes what there is more important to get done. Start papers early, do your reading, and if you manage your time well there will still be plenty of time to have fun!
Don't be afraid to apply to Knox if you don't know what you want to do. You aren't allowed to declare a major until your Junior year, and even then you aren't REQUIRED to do so. The Knox formula gives you plenty of time to explore and try new things without worrying about not having enough credits to graduate with a degree!
Great for these types of students
Students who dislike busy work, prefer closeknit discussions over large classes and lectures, get along well in the slightly crazy crowd, like to have close relationships with their professors, enjoy a personalized course schedule with minimal classes required outside your major, and like not having to declare a major right away will feel right at home at Knox.

John from Hartland, WI

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
very mentally stimulating, professors push for greatness.
Am enjoying being here
Friendly community, friendly staff, close nit campus.
Bang for the buck
Expensive, a few buildings are aging for the amount given to go there, but Professors are top notch.
Tips for prospective students
Come here if you want to be friends with a lot of new people and you are willing to spend many hours on homework each night and are looking to be mentally stimulated to your fullest.
Great for these types of students
Smart, willing to work hard, friendly, different

Audrey from Peyton, CO

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Professors at Knox will push you to your fullest potential. Expect to do a lot of work for classes and gain a lot from each and every class, even classes you aren't taking for any specific requirement. However, you must remember that you only get out of it what you put into it! Classes may be challenging, but the professors are willing to help. The smaller classes really help with that, because you're more than a number to the professors.
Am enjoying being here
Knox does a lot to try and make students feel like they are part of the community. Weekends where there are no campus events are few and far between. Furthermore, all the facilities are well-maintained so that they can serve the students. Knox is a community and everyone does their best to make you feel welcomed, students, professors, and faculty and staff alike.
Bang for the buck
Granted, Knox is a pricey school, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. The dorms are generally well-maintained, the food is good, the classes are worthwhile, interesting, and challenging, and the class-size is hard to beat. I would say it's worth what I'm paying.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be shy! Almost everyone on campus is friendly and wants to make you feel welcome. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions, whether in class or just trying to get around campus. We love inquisitive people!
Great for these types of students
People who like to be around other people, work for a cause, want to be a part of a community, want to be challenged, and want to learn more than just the basics are all going to find a great fit at Knox.

Steven from Chicago, IL

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Knox college is a school for students who enjoy not many distractions. It is also for those who enjoy nature and the hippy life-style some try to embrace here. It is also rigorousness with classes and time should be used wisely.
Tips for prospective students
Get to know the students before you know the campus. Students will be there for you as will the campus but be around people who you think would benefit you. Also, just make sure it isn't much of a big change for you because people do tend to miss home here.
Academic Rigor
Classes are hard. Stay in touch with all teachers, always ask questions, get help because Knox has so many resources to help the students succeed. Although classes may be difficult, it is really easy to pass if you work for it.
Dorm Life
Dorming is amazing! Meeting new people who share ideas with you is fun. Sometimes this is not always the case, some students have roommates they dislike. Make sure this is taken care of before things could escalate.
Food and Dining
The food here is mediaocure. But but that is just the Cafe. There is also a grocery store and a restaurant known as the Gizmo. These are great places to spend your Dining Dollars for great items to snack on or feast upon. Dining Dollars are fake dollars placed on the students ID card essentially making it a Visa card but only for these few places on campus.
What to do for fun
Knox has so much to offer. Although it may be a division 3 school, the students play with heart as if competing for division 1 competition. If not interested in sports there are tons of art studios that are open for students to express themselves. There are even supplies that can be taking outside so students can get entangled with nature.
Bang for the buck
Knox is modern. It is also old. This is where the Lincoln and Douglass debate occurred making it easy for Knox to gain doners. The cafeteria food is ok but the classes are great, tons of days just for students to have fun, and a day called FLUNK DAY. This is a day when school is canceled and students get a whole day of fun that the campus sets up for the students.
Campus Safety
These guys work around the clock to ensure our safety. They have cars that patrol the campus almost every minute of the day. They also do dorm checks to ensure no one from outside the campus in the dorms creating trouble for students.

Sara from Littleton, CO

a past student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
knox is a traditional small town liberal arts schools. the professors are excellent and the academics are intellectually stimulating. however, the location is most definitely small town; be sure you're comfortable with that type of environment before you attend.
Tips for prospective students
prospective students: be sure you want to live in a small town. there is little to do off campus unless you are willing to go to chicago. i've found it difficult to find people willing to do that. if you like to stay on a small campus, you'll be fine!
Academic Rigor
knox really has great academics. the teachers are top-notch. they're definitely interested in helping students, so take advantage of that! form relationships, they'll be useful, and really fully take advantage of the academic opportunities!
Dorm Life
most of the dorms are pretty good and many have suite style layouts.
Food and Dining
the food is actually quite tasty for school food. there's not a lot of dining options, but the cafeteria has a nice selection and there is a school run hang out with fast food options like pretzels, popcorn, and burgers.
What to do for fun
there are events on campus like school concerts and plays. there's not much to do in town although there is a tiny mall and a movie theater.
Bang for the buck
a little expensive, but not outrageous.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
flunk day! all classes are cancelled and the school sets up carnival type events. try to stay sober, honestly, there's to much vomiting as it is.
Great for these types of students
the nerd :)
anyone unusual
you'll find you people.
Clubs and Activities
more clubs than you can shake a stick at! join them, it's a great way to meet people and get involved.
Greek Life
it's not hugely important, but if you're interested, it's there. frats have more of a presence than sororities.
Campus Safety
probably averagely safe. there are reports of incidents, but you'll likely find that anywhere.

Ian from Troy, MI

researching this school
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
You will certainly learn a lot about life here; the professors devote every fiber of their body to your development as a human being. They will push you to go outside your personal boundaries and allow you to explore alternative methods of learning. While you will learn a lot about yourself here, absorption of actual curriculum appears to be suffer.
Will enjoy being here
This school is in the middle of your average mid-west town, but this makes it rather quaint in it's own right. To be honest, there isn't that much to do in Galesburg, and the student committees don't help all that much. Despite this, coming from a current student, weekends are fun even if tangible activities are hard to be found. If you enjoy socializing in dorms, finding random activities to do, and studying the rest of your time, then this is the place for you.
Bang for the buck
This school has a history in financial aid. Originally a labor college, the Knox of today is more than willing to provide generous merit and financial aid to prospective students, making its cost competitive with public universities.
Tips for prospective students
Please visit. My decision was made after visiting on accepted students day. This is a make-or-break opportunity and your only shot at experiencing the faculty and student body first-hand.
Great for these types of students
Quirky, socially unique, intelligent, introspective, fun-loving, studious

Adilene from Atlanta, GA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Knox will definitely give you the freedom to flourish. No matter what you are planning to do with your life after four years at Knox, you will find yourself better prepared for what lies ahead after college. Regardless of what you want to study, the professors and faculty members will push you to new heights.
Tips for prospective students
Take as many Honors/AP/IB courses as you can. The more you take, the better prepared you will be for Knox. That goes for almost every college, too! Show an interest in the school and take the initiative to get to know more about Knox. Request information, meet with your counselor if possible, or email them to introduce yourself or to ask any questions you may have. The counselors are really helpful, though some of them are not the quickest in replying back. Either way, they'll be glad to answer any questions or doubts you come across.
Academic Rigor
Seeing as that you only take 3 classes per trimester (ten weeks), none of the work assigned to you will be meant to keep you busy. Also, your classes will be (or should be) ones that you have an interest in but also follow the guidelines given by Knox. With that in mind, the rigor of each course will be proven essential for what you are interested in studying.
Dorm Life
Dorms can definitely be some of the most calm areas you'll find at Knox (aside from the library or Old Main), but it's definitely a place where roommates and friends can chill and have fun with one another.
Food and Dining
There are a lot of options available to your liking, both on campus and around town. Thereâ??s the Gizmo, Oak Room, Grab-n-go, Hard Knox Café and other places to go. But if youâ??re looking for something else, thereâ??s a Pizza Hut, Mexican restaurant, McDonalds, and other places to go.
What to do for fun
Knox will only be as boring as you make it out to be (which means that if you complain about how small and uneventful the college is, then you will really only make it boring for yourself). Keeping that in mind, thereâ??s almost always something to do around campus, no matter what your interests are. There are over 100 student clubs to choose from and almost all of them sponsor some type of activity throughout the year. Even though Galesburg is a small city far away from â??urban life,â?? there are tons of things to do around here. Check out the 101 Fun Things to Do page on the Knox website to see what I mean. :)
Bang for the buck
Knox is a very expensive school, closely reaching the $50,000 per year tuition mark. Despite this, the college does its best to help students to attend without worrying about the cost of the school, especially if you are a student with higher need. (I can honestly tell you that personally. The financial aid package was the deciding factor for me when I chose Knox.)
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One of the most highly anticipated events of the year occurs during the spring, after the bleakness of winter has lifted from the campus. Flunk Day!! A day where all classes are cancelled and students (and professors) forget about their work to have fun! No one knows when Flunk Day will be (except for maybe the five people who plan it, but shhhh, thatâ??s a secret, too). The only thing most students will tell you if you ask them is that it is â??tomorrow.â??
Great for these types of students
If youâ??re the student who takes initiative in their work, who wants to experiment with different ideas, and who needs motivation to do so, then Knox is definitely for you!
Clubs and Activities
There are over 100 clubs on campus, so there is bound to be at least a few of interest to just about anyone on campus. Even if there isnâ??t, you can always start a new one!

Brenda from Chicago, IL

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Everybody in Knox is very supportive in what you decide to do in life. Whether you want to major in Computer Science, Art, or even Gender & Women's Studies, there will always be someone to ask for help. Knox College has really changed my views about the world we live in, and the importance in trying to improve it for future generations.
Tips for prospective students
Go to the Red Room and Writer's Block! It has helped me so many times for my homework and in essays I needed to write. Also, get close with your advisor. They are the nicest people you will meet and will answer any question you have; if they do not know the answer, they will tell you who to go to to have your question answered. Mot importantly, do NOT procrastinate; you will regret it.
Academic Rigor
The classes are challenging, yet educating. Even though the classes can be tough, there is always someone to help. There are a lot of readings to do for class, but most of them are interesting. The professors at Knox expect a lot from you and always give you their support.
Dorm Life
It is easy to get become close friends with your suite mates. Everybody there is friendly. The beds are comfortable, there is a lot of space, and you have plenty of room on your desk. The heaters work perfectly, but there are no air conditioners for the hot, humid summers.
Food and Dining
Their food is delicious, nutritious, and amazing! I can never get enough of their food.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Pumphandle is when you shake EVERYbody's hand as a Welcome new students/Welcome back students! before the beginning of the year.
Great for these types of students
Any students are welcome and respected in Knox. It's a great college to go to parties and get a good education (as long as you're responsible). Rockers, preppy, jocks, people who wear top hats (I have actually seen a student with a top hat) will never be judged in Knox.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety in Knox is great! You can call them for anything. If you forgot your keys and got locked out of your dorm, they'll let you in; if you're walking to your dorm but it's dark out and you're worried something might happen to you, they'll walk with you and keep you safe; if you or a friend was physically abused in some way, they will contact the police immediately. The downside is that they are all male, so some girls here do not feel comfortable telling them something bad that happened to them.

Courtney

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The academics push me to be a better student, and the professors genuinely want the best for me. I have made deep connections with staff, faculty, and students. The opportunities for study abroad, research, internships, and volunteering seem endless. The college doesn't want students to just sit in a classroom for 4 years, but to get into the real world and apply our learning. I highly recommend coming and visiting the school for yourselves and see the history, the classes, the environment in general.
Tips for prospective students
Come and visit the campus. You can read about a school as much as you want online, but once you experience Knox it is a different feeling and only something you can only do in person.
Academic Rigor
We only take 3 classes a term, but the workload feels as though you might have 4-5 classes instead. Students definitely work hard and academics are taken very seriously.
Dorm Life
We live in suites so instead of 50 people on a floor, we have 12-13 people on each side of the floor where there are 2 different common room areas and a shared bathroom which is really nice. There are different living options, but they are all really nice and not a typical college dorm experience.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria food is good, and the Gizmo is also really good. As a small school, we may not have as much of a large menu, but the food is delicious and we love it. There are restaurants in town that deliver to the school or aren't that far away to walk.
What to do for fun
Our event programming board almost always has some sort of event going on each weekend like a comedian, musician, movie night, or excursion somewhere off campus. Most events are free to students. There are registered parties throughout the term that students go to, and Galesburg also has various shops, restaurants, and events that students visit.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have Flunk Day which is a day planned by a small hand full of people who are sworn to secrecy. It happens during spring term, and on the day of Flunk Day, students are woken up early in the morning and the campus is filled with bouncy houses, free food, and other carnivalesque attractions. No one knows when Flunk Day happens, and so we love to guess when it will be. Abraham Lincoln shows up on Flunk Day as well so students get to eat lunch and dinner with him, play baseball, and lawn jenga with the 16th president.

Derinn from Springfield, IL

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Knox is a small liberal arts school with a strong sense of community. The work is challenging, but the education is definitely worth it. Socially, Knox students tend to be friendly and open, as well as very diverse in backgrounds and interests.
Tips for prospective students
I recommend that prospective students challenge themselves through high school in both academics and extracurricular activities and try to express themselves honestly in the application process.
Academic Rigor
The classes I have taken at Knox have been challenging but not even close to impossible. The work load can be large at times, but it is nice to be able to concentrate on three classes per trimester, and professors are almost always willing to work with students in order to maximize their educations.
Dorm Life
I have lived in the same dorm two years in a row with only one complaint: no air conditioning. However, this can be easily remedied by having a few fans running during warmer months. Otherwise, most underclassman dorms are typical college living areas with several doubles, sometimes a single, and a suite area. There is also apartment-style and theme housing available for upperclassmen.
Food and Dining
Personally, I love the variety of food at Knox, although some do complain that it gets old. We have several dining options, including the caf, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a restaurant-type sit down eatery called the Gizmo, where you can study while you snack or go for a meal at an odd time or if the caf is crowded.
What to do for fun
The surrounding area is limited as far as fun activities go, with only a movie theater, a bowling alley, and some restaurants in the area, but the campus makes up for that. There is almost always something to check out in the evening, whether it is a club meeting or a performer brought to campus. On the weekends there are registered parties sometimes, where no alcohol is allowed but students can go to dance and have a good time. There is also a group of students called Union Board, and they are in charge of bringing fun activities and performers to campus.
Bang for the buck
The education at Knox is invaluable to students, whether they go on to more schooling or real life jobs. It prepares students for their futures, and I think it is worth the price you pay. The price tag might seem hefty, but most students receive financial aid, and this makes it more manageable.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Flunk Day-a day during spring term where classes are cancelled and students have all day to do the many fun activities around campus that day.

Pumphandle-before the first day of classes in an academic year, students, faculty, and staff line up to shake hands with each other. This line twists around a small part of campus, and after everyone shakes everyone's hand (or does a fist bump, high five, etc.) everyone gets a free dinner outside.
Great for these types of students
Knox is perfect for the hard-working and driven individual who has a passion for learning and wants a diverse community where he or she can belong.
Clubs and Activities
Knox has over 100 clubs, which is great for a college of its size. From sports clubs to educational clubs to gaming clubs, Knox has it all.
Greek Life
About 25 percent of the school is Greek, but it is very different here than at a larger school (i.e. much less cliquey and not at all like what you see in movies/on TV). There are five social men's fraternities, four social sororities/women's fraternities, and a service fraternity and singing sorority.
Campus Safety
I always feel safe on campus during the day and at night, but, like at every school, there are incidents of crime. Campus safety is available 24/7 for anything a students may need, even just a ride/escort home from the library. Campus safety is headed by a former Galesburg Police Chief and has many officers who work(ed) in law enforcement. Safety is not a huge issue here.