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Monmouth College

Monmouth, IL

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
725
Total Students
$44K
Tuition (In-State)
$44K
Tuition (Out-State)
$18K
Avg Net Price
87%
Acceptance Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
6-year
70%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Monmouth College

A resilient liberal arts college, pioneering coeducation and women's fraternities since 1853.

Monmouth College stands as a testament to resilience and pioneering spirit, known for its foundational commitment to coeducation and its pivotal role in the early history of women's fraternities. Established in 1853, it boldly welcomed both men and women, ensuring equal access to education from its inception. This progressive outlook led to the founding of the first women's fraternity, Pi Beta Phi, in 1867, followed by Kappa Kappa Gamma just three years later, cementing Monmouth's unique place in collegiate history.

The college's journey is marked by remarkable adaptability, navigating the profound challenges of both the Civil War and World War II. During the Civil War, with virtually the entire male student body enlisting, Monmouth's president ensured classes continued for its primarily female student body. In World War II, it transformed into a U.S. Naval Flight Preparatory School, playing a crucial role in the war effort while preserving its academic mission. This spirit of perseverance is deeply woven into the fabric of the student experience.

Academically, Monmouth has a rich history of distinction, particularly its chemistry department, which gained national prominence in the 1950s for producing an exceptional number of doctoral candidates. As a member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, Monmouth maintains a strong liberal arts tradition, offering a robust and engaging educational environment. The college continues to invest in its future, with significant campus development and a robust endowment, ensuring a vibrant and supportive community for its students.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1853 as a coeducational institution, providing equal access to education for women and men from day one.
  • Birthplace of the first women's fraternity, Pi Beta Phi (1867), and Kappa Kappa Gamma (1870).
  • Monmouth's chemistry department achieved national prominence in the 1950s, producing more chemistry Ph.D. candidates than many larger universities combined.
  • Endowment stood at $146 million in 2021, significantly higher than the average for similar Baccalaureate colleges.
  • Demonstrated exceptional resilience, surviving both the American Civil War and World War II by adapting its operations and curriculum.
  • Over $120 million invested in new construction and campus renovations between 2002 and 2013.

Timeline

1853
Founded as Monmouth Academy on April 18 by the Second Presbytery of Illinois.
1856
Received a state charter and officially became Monmouth College on September 3.
1867
Pi Beta Phi, the first fraternity for women, was established at Monmouth.
1870
Kappa Kappa Gamma, another well-known women's fraternity, was founded at Monmouth.
1908
Construction of the historic Wallace Hall, whose entrance is modeled after the ancient Erechtheion.
1950
Monmouth's Chemistry Department gained national prominence for its research and doctoral candidates.
1983
Received a $5 million donation, launching a $15 million capital campaign, the largest gift to date.
2002
Began a period of over $120 million in campus construction and renovations, lasting until 2013.
2021
College endowment reached $146 million.

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