Illinois College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Illinois College’s 78% acceptance rate means your strategy should be about choosing the strongest evidence to submit, not just clearing an admissions bar. Since it is test-optional and SAT submitters cluster from 930 to 1175, aim for about 1175 or higher if you want your score to strengthen your file; otherwise, let your 3.6-level GPA and coursework carry more weight.
⬡ LangSmith60b58c7c-0316-46ef-96c3-2e1895ab3d71Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Illinois College facts and stats
Illinois College enrolls about 940 undergraduates, making it a small college community. Illinois College has a 71% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 64%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
⬡ LangSmith50290bcd-44a3-4e13-9a53-99a84e57a089Jacksonville, IL
How do your scores compare at Illinois College?
Key Illinois College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
October 31
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Illinois College, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus the fall of senior year for retakes. For the December 1 Early Action deadline, treat the October ACT or November SAT as the last retake likely to arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith50507c0e-d39b-41e9-8a8b-6a50baa53c9bWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Illinois College?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Illinois College is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $38,676, and 79% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $26,447; submit the FAFSA by the October 31 priority deadline.
⬡ LangSmith96c18c59-514a-498c-9baf-d0802671bccb
Illinois College’s listed tuition, fees, room, and board total about $49,504 per year. Aid is common: 79% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $40,477. Merit awards average $26,447, which can substantially reduce the published price for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $33,906.
⬡ LangSmithe4ce99f6-bbd4-4525-a91d-c6d070538848Student life at Illinois College
85% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Lewis University
Romeoville, ILAcceptance rate: 71.3%
SAT: 960–1200
ACT: 20–27
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, ILAcceptance rate: 73.6%
SAT: 1000–1260
ACT: 23–30
Millikin University
Decatur, ILAcceptance rate: 66.7%
SAT: 860–1130
ACT: 18–25
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