Mission & Vision

Illinois College is a nationally ranked 4-year college in Jacksonville, Illinois, dedicated to student success. In 1829, our founders brought an enterprising vision to the prairie and changed the face of education in the region. Illinois College is committed to continuing this 200-year tradition of innovation and excellence. Today, over 1,000 students enroll on campus or online to take classes in 80 academic programs. Over 90% of on-campus students choose to live on our residential campus all four years. U.S. News ranked us as one of the top 10 colleges in the US for social mobility, proof that we will help get you where you need to go. Our Graduate READY Promise ensures students join alumni as leaders in their professions and communities. 

The Illinois College Vision

Illinois College will build an international reputation for inspiring achievement and empowering students to make a difference in the world.

The Illinois College Mission

True to its founding vision in 1829, Illinois College is a community committed to the highest standards of scholarship and integrity in the liberal arts. The College develops in its students qualities of mind and character needed for fulfilling lives of leadership and service.

The Illinois College Affirmation of Community Responsibility

To ensure that all members of our community live, work, and learn in an environment where they can thrive, we affirm four guiding virtues: commitment, curiosity, clarity, and civility.

With commitment, we will work diligently to support our community and pursue excellence.

With curiosity, we will be eager to learn, open to new information, ready to take risks, and earnest in our pursuit of growth.

With clarity, we will be open and honest with each other, and act with integrity at all times.

With civility, we will treat one another with respect and care, and seek justice and understanding within and beyond our community.

Through commitment, curiosity, clarity, and civility, we pledge to uphold the mission and vision of Illinois College, ensuring that, both individually and collectively, we do all we can to make a positive difference in our world.