Illinois College students gain more through hands-on learning and campus support
National survey results highlight that Illinois College students benefit more than their peers at other campuses from meaningful learning experiences, faculty mentorship and a supportive campus community.
IC’s commitment to student success is reflected in both national survey results and the College's recent recognition in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, which named Illinois College the No. 1 Best Value in the Midwest.
Results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) reinforce the value of an IC education, showing that Illinois College students participate in hands-on learning opportunities at higher rates than their peers at similar private colleges across the Midwest.
According to the survey, 96% of Illinois College seniors participated in at least one high-impact learning experience, such as internships, while 86% completed two or more. By comparison, only 74% of seniors at similar institutions reported participating in two or more such experiences.
IC’s active learning opportunities include internships, student-faculty research, study abroad, work placements and service-learning projects to connect classroom knowledge with real-world challenges. These findings demonstrate how, regardless of major, an Illinois College education prepares students to Graduate READY with the skills employers and graduate schools value and helps them stand apart from other candidates.
The results also showed that Illinois College seniors reported greater gains in critical thinking and effective writing and speaking than students at comparison institutions. IC students also reported stronger connections with faculty members and a more supportive campus environment, reflecting the College's commitment to student success.
These outcomes reflect a campus community committed to helping students succeed. Through close faculty mentorship, collaborative learning and opportunities to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom, IC students are encouraged to discover their strengths and pursue their goals.
NSSE, a leading measure of student perceptions of their learning and engagement, provides an independent assessment of educational experiences at colleges and universities across the country. The evaluation offers additional evidence that students preparing for life and career success Graduate READY from Illinois College.