Catalog 2025-2026

Illinois College is a private, Phi Beta Kappa, liberal arts college located in Jacksonville, Illinois. Founded in 1829 through the joint efforts of John M. Ellis, a Presbyterian missionary, and a group of seven Congregational students from Yale (one of several “Yale Bands”), the College has maintained a long tradition of academic excellence. Illinois College retains its historic ties with both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Church of Christ.

Illinois College is a scholarly community that values close and frequent collaboration among faculty and students and is devoted to the liberal arts. Its curriculum requires both breadth of learning and knowledge in depth, leading students to explore the fine arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Within this liberal arts context, all students develop specific areas of knowledge through majors. Many pursue additional opportunities for learning through pre-professional programs. Students enrich their educations further through independent research and writing; internships, off-campus “BreakAways” and study abroad; performance in art, drama, and music; and participation in organizations and clubs, athletics, and student government. Academic advisors play an essential role in helping students plan and successfully complete their academic programs. The Office of Career Services, the various departments, and advisors make every effort to help students prepare for graduate study and professional schools as well as direct entry into careers after graduation.

Illinois College follows all procedures as required by the Family Rights and Privacy Act

Illinois College is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

Illinois College admits students and appoints faculty and staff without regard to race, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin. Illinois College is an Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer.

Illinois College is a charger member of and accredited by Higher Learning Commission  (https://www.hlcommission.org/, 312.263.0456). It is also a member of the Association of American College & Universities, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. It is also recognized by the American Association of University Women and the Illinois Office of Education.

Illinois College is approved as an institutional participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) initiative.

Illinois College does not stand in loco parentis to its students. It accepts the stat and federal policy that its students are fully functioning adults. Within its framework and tradition, Illinois College will continue to provide a caring environment to all of its academic and social life.

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. (Adopted by the Faculty, 2018)

At Illinois College, education in the liberal arts means “education for life.” A liberal arts education transcends the current moment, the local environment and the next job. It fosters open-mindedness and respect for different values and prepares students for a life of responsible civic engagement. Liberal arts students think critically and independently, communicate ideas effectively, and learn to distinguish the good, the beautiful, and the true.

Illinois College offers one online graduate program, a Masters of Science in Nursing program. Please find the policies and requirements for this program included in the sections below.

An academic community can only function if the rights and responsibilities of all its members are recognized. Illinois College requires that students be familiar with stated College policies and procedures as printed in the Student Handbook (Illinois College Blue Book https://www.ic.edu/studenthandbook), which also includes the Code of Student Conduct, disciplinary process and appeal information.

Students who violate Illinois College policies may be subject to warning, probation, deferred suspension, suspension or dismissal. A student who has been dismissed for non-academic reasons and wishes to return must apply in writing to the Provost. The Provost in consultation with the Office of Academic Affairs will then make a determination on readmission. If the student’s request for readmission is denied, the student may submit an appeal letter. The appeal letter should include evidence of new and substantive information or why they believe they were denied due process on their request to be readmitted.

The alumni of Illinois College have an enviable record of career success in such fields as education, law, medicine and allied fields, the ministry, social work, journalism, engineering, and business. Leaders in these fields constantly affirm that the best preparation for the professions is a liberal arts background.

Illinois College makes every effort through its career planning program to assist students in preparing for the career of their choice not only through the traditional curriculum but through a range of co-curricular opportunities. Students should bear in mind that most professional schools require a college record of more than average achievement for admission.

The Associate Provost for Student Development works with students, faculty, and staff to provide a campus community rich in learning experiences outside the classroom. These experiences support friendships, build character, and encourage excellence in all facets of a student's life. The Associate Provost for Student Development advises Student Senate and is the person to notify if you will miss classes due to illness, family emergency, etc.

Office of Admission
Illinois College
1101 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650

217.245.3030
Fax: 217.245.3034
Tollfree:866.464.526

E-mail: admission@ic.edu
web: www.ic.edu

Office of Student Financial Services
Illinois College
1101 West College Avenue Jacksonville, IL 62650

217.245.3035 Fax: 217.245.3274
Toll free: 866.464.5265
E-mail: sfs@ic.edu
web: www.ic.edu

Office of Student Financial Service
Illinois College
1101 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
FAFSA code: 001688
217.245.3035  Fax:  217.245.3274  Toll free: 866.464.5265 
Email: sfs@ic.edu 
web: www.ic.edu

Illinois College offers a wide variety of need-based and merit-based programs. Need-based aid is awarded based on the premise that the primary responsibility of paying for college lies with the student and his or her parents. Aid is intended to help fill the gap between the cost of the education and the family’s ability to pay.

Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. The Illinois College school code is 001688. Students should file by October 31 in order to receive full consideration for all federal, state and institutional programs. Illinois College does not provide any institutional aid for part-time enrollment, for summer school or for students that have earned a baccalaureate degree.

Financial aid packages are prepared for students based on their demonstrated eligibility and individual circumstances. Awards may include grants, scholarships, loans and/or work-study opportunities. Eligibility for need-based aid is evaluated every year by completing a new FAFSA. Award amounts may increase or decrease as the family’s financial situation changes.

Dates indicate the years of appointment to the Faculty and to the present rank.

Visit ic.edu/about/visitcampus for the most up to date campus map.