This fall’s incoming class, one of the largest in the College’s history, arrived not simply because of enrollment trends or national rankings, but because students and families recognized something enduring at IC: an education grounded in access, rigor and purpose, and strengthened by generations of alumni and donors who believe deeply in its mission.

As the College prepares to celebrate its Bicentennial in 2029, that momentum is unmistakable. Students are choosing Illinois College because it offers something special: personal attention, meaningful opportunity for career success and outcomes that change lives.

A bicentennial class with big ambitions

The Class of 2029 enters Illinois College at a moment of historic strength. With 1,000 students representing from 25 states and 27 countries, IC remains proudly rooted in Illinois while welcoming students from across the globe. Nearly 99% of degree-seeking students receive financial aid, a reflection of the College’s long-standing commitment to access and affordability.

These students are academically prepared and ambitious. The incoming first-year cohort posted an average high school GPA of 3.76. Just as importantly, they arrive eager to engage on the field, in the lab, in the community and in classrooms designed for close faculty mentorship. 

Athletics continues to be a significant draw, with approximately half of IC students competing in varsity sports, balancing academic challenge with leadership and teamwork. Others are drawn by the College’s 41 majors and 44 minors, from nursing and education to agribusiness, psychology, and business administration, programs that consistently rank among the College’s most popular and most impactful.

Access and mobility at the core

Illinois College’s recent recognition as a top- 10 institution nationwide for social mobility reflects more than a ranking, it affirms a mission the College has carried since its founding in 1829 to prepare students for leadership and service. Students Graduate READY to enter the workforce through life-defining experiences made possible by faculty mentors and generous donors. Internships, travel, student-faculty research and community engagement help put ink on students’ resumes.

For alumni and donors, this distinction underscores a truth they have long known: philanthropy at Illinois College does not simply enhance an experience: it makes it possible. Scholarships, endowed funds and annual gifts allow students to enroll, persist and graduate prepared for meaningful lives and careers.

That impact is measurable. Within six months of graduation, 95% of IC graduates are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or both. One in five continues on to graduate study, supported by strong faculty mentorship and hands-on research opportunities that begin early in their undergraduate careers.

A trusted institution: Then and now

In an era of uncertainty across higher education, Illinois College stands on a foundation of trust. The College’s recent accreditation reaffirmation confirmed what alumni already recognize: IC remains academically rigorous, financially responsible and mission-driven.

With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 and more than 80 percent of full-time faculty holding terminal degrees, students experience the kind of close, personalized instruction that defines the private college experience. Faculty are teachers, mentors and collaborators, guiding students not only through coursework but through the transition from college to professional careers.

This stability matters to today’s students and families. Choosing Illinois College means choosing an institution with two centuries of experience with innovation while remaining grounded in its values.