Illinois College

Photo: Illinois College. Retrieved from: www.wikimedia.org

Students from across the states and overseas choose Illinois College because of its renowned majors such as Health and Allied Services, Social Sciences and History programs. Many students that attend Illinois College also prefer to take a semester off and study abroad, optimizing their college experience with hands-on learning around different cultures and professional settings. Students can appreciate learning about their professional field while being driven to acknowledge the impact liberal arts has on the world today. Providing this balance of science and the arts, enables students to develop a healthy understanding of how the two tie into their daily lives.

Faculty members and professors are dedicated to providing students with the most diverse education possible, which is why the majority of professors at Illinois College have advanced degrees in their study area. This not only establishes a higher learning style, but also a higher level of trust between faculty and student. Illinois College currently offers over 40 majors and 30 minor programs, including many professional programs such as Criminal Justice and Nursing. Students are strongly encouraged to get involved with community service organizations to provide their professional experience and education on a global level.

School History

Illinois College has a long standing history within the local communities as it was the first college in the state to offer a baccalaureate degree. Today, the college represents over 150 years of liberal arts education. What began in a one building facility, now known as Beecher Hall, the first building used for college education in the state of Illinois. The founder of the college, Rev. John M. Ellis, was a Presbyterian missionary who was determined to establish a strong educational foundation for students to protect them from poverty and unemployment. The first Illinois College graduates were honored in 1835.

Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

From the early days of operation, Illinois College has been known for its historical lecturer guests and visitations such as Abraham Lincoln and Wendell Phillips. It became tradition at Illinois College to host sponsorship seminars, workshops and other enriching and encouraging mindset training to students to optimize their education in literacy. Throughout the evolution of time, Illinois College became widely known in the abolitionist movement, as the acting president was actively outspoken in the fight against slavery. By 1903, the college began enrolling female students, becoming completely coeducational one year later. In 1932, the school honored its first national honor society chapter, the Society of Phi Beta Kappa.

Campus Life

Campus life at Illinois College presents a strong sense of home designed to help them transition into college life more conveniently. Since the majority of students live on campus, morale remains highly contagious – students packing their schedules with live performances, fundraising events, or sports games that get the entire student body involved. Many students prefer to participate in political groups that are available at Illinois College, such as the Student Senate, debate teams, as well Student Government. Members of the Residence Life Staff committee represent a long line of Illinois College alumni such as Mark Twain. The Office of Student Services is able to assist students with their scheduling, housing and personal needs, as well as counseling, spiritual and career guidance. Illinois College ensures to provide a well rounded atmosphere that students feel comfortable in, enabling them to grow unrestrictedly.

Students are encouraged to participate in at least one of over 50 organizations and clubs established on campus. Many of the organization currently available were established by students from the founding generations – passing down traditions to future students. Many Illinois College students and alumni continue to get involved with the community and civil service organizations that actively work to provide a better global force. Many Illinois College students take part in the extensive study abroad program that enables students the opportunity to study in over 10 foreign countries for a full semester.

Students that live on campus have a wide selection of housing options such as the veracious residence halls and apartment complexes to the townhouses and Greek Houses. Most housing complexes are grouped by special interest, athletics and academic programs to help students develop a strong community of peers that share the same interests, goals and experiences.

Financial Aid

Staff and faculty members at Illinois College have years of experience researching and exploring the various funding opportunities available to students. While many students choose to apply for standard government funding such as NYS TAP and FAFSA loans, many students prefer to apply for grant funding. Illinois College accepts all forms of financial aid funding that can help students reduce the stress of paying for school as they go. Students are encouraged to apply for all simultaneous funding options to qualify and ensure they are able to maximize their education and program requirements.

Illinois College also offers students privately funded financial aid options to alleviate the burden of loan repayments. Illinois College considers all students for academic, merit, athletic and artistic scholarships, as well as need based and special circumstance grants and funding assistance. Many students who can be categorized as disabled, of military or veteran status, may also be eligible for private funding as well. All students are encouraged to participate in the work study and internship programs available through the school to help reduce the out of pocket costs such as books, supplies and personal needs.