Monmouth College logo

Monmouth College

Monmouth, IL

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

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

Monmouth College: A historic pioneer in coeducation and academic excellence since 1853.

Step into the rich legacy of Monmouth College, a vibrant liberal arts institution founded on April 18, 1853. From its beginnings as Monmouth Academy, the college quickly charted its path as a beacon of learning, receiving its state charter in 1856. Uniquely, Monmouth was founded as a coeducational college, providing equal access to education for both women and men, a progressive stance for its era. This pioneering spirit continued with the establishment of the first fraternity for women, Pi Beta Phi, in 1867, followed by Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1870, cementing Monmouth's place in the history of collegiate life.

Throughout its history, Monmouth College has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a commitment to academic rigor. The institution navigated the immense challenges of the American Civil War and World War II, adapting its campus to serve as a U.S. Naval Flight Preparatory School during the latter. Academically, Monmouth gained national prominence, with its Chemistry department recognized in the 1950s for producing an exceptional number of chemistry doctoral candidates. This enduring focus on academic excellence, combined with its affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA), has shaped a learning environment that encourages deep inquiry and critical thought.

Prospective students and families will find a college dedicated to continuous growth and providing a high-quality educational experience. Monmouth's commitment to its future is evident in its robust financial health, with an endowment of $146 million in 2021, significantly surpassing the average for Baccalaureate colleges. Recent decades have also seen substantial investment in campus infrastructure, with over $120 million dedicated to new construction and renovations between 2002 and 2013, ensuring modern facilities support a timeless educational mission. At Monmouth, you join a community built on a foundation of pioneering spirit, academic achievement, and enduring support.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1853, chartered in 1856 as a coeducational institution.
  • ✦Home to the founding of the first women's fraternity, Pi Beta Phi (1867), and Kappa Kappa Gamma (1870).
  • ✦Its Chemistry department gained national prominence in the 1950s for producing numerous PhD candidates.
  • ✦Achieved national stature by 1911, ranking higher than 244 of 345 top colleges in a U.S. government classification.
  • ✦Endowment reached $146 million in 2021, $93.6 million more than the average for Baccalaureate colleges.
  • ✦Over $120 million was invested in new construction and campus renovations between 2002 and 2013.
  • ✦Two Monmouth alumni were awarded the Medal of Honor for service during the Civil War.

Timeline

1853
Founded as Monmouth Academy by the Second Presbytery of Illinois.
1856
Received a state charter and became Monmouth College.
1867
Pi Beta Phi, the first fraternity for women, was established on campus.
1870
Kappa Kappa Gamma, another prominent women's fraternity, was founded.
1911
Gained national stature, recognized by the U.S. government classification of colleges.
Early 1940s
Became a U.S. Naval Flight Preparatory School during World War II.
1950s
Chemistry department gained national prominence for producing doctoral candidates.
1983
Received a record $5 million donation, launching a $15 million capital campaign.
2021
Endowment grew to $146 million.

Find Scholarships at Monmouth College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search