"There is no better college in the country for developing a young mind and character. This college is educating—not training—people who can think clearly and independently...and who can live fully and courageously. Students are challenged to analyze, develop, and express ideas logically, clearly, and with style."
— Loren Pope, Colleges That Change Lives, 2006

"Knox is a place of great intellectual ferment...a grade-A school by any measure."
— Loren Pope, Looking Beyond the Ivy League, 2007

"'Knox provides a small-family atmosphere where the academic life becomes so intertwined with the social life that often they are the same,' notes a westerner. Students who are serious but don't want to live in the library or in front of a computer are perfect for Knox. Take 170+ years of pride and history, combined with modern facilities and attitudes, and you have one of the best places to spend four years of your life."
— Barron's Best Buys in College Education, 10th edition

"Students say the academic relationships at Knox are infused with a spirit of cooperation and equality. Beyond the classroom, students, faculty, and administrators make decisions on boards together, each with identical voting power."
— Fiske Guide to Colleges 2010

"Academics are the priority and students are encouraged to be individuals, but the close-knit atmosphere helps them form strong connections with different types of students and down-to-earth professors. Says a student, 'There is a 'freedom to flourish' at Knox. My opportunities are limitless.'"
— Fiske Guide to Colleges 2009

A Best Value and Best in the Midwest. #16 in the nation for "students happy with financial aid," #9 in the nation for "best college radio station," #17 in the nation for "best college theater."
-- The Best 368 Colleges, by Princeton Review, 2009

A Best Value and Best in the Midwest. #10 in the nation for "great college radio station," #15 in the nation for "best college theater," and #15 in the nation for "students happy with financial aid."
—The Best 366 Colleges, by Princeton Review, 2008

A Best Value and Best in the Midwest. #10 in the nation for "great college radio station" and #14 in the nation for "students happy with financial aid."
— The Best 361 Colleges, by Princeton Review, 2007

A Best Value and Best in the Midwest. #3 in the nation for "students happy with financial aid," #8 in the nation for "great college radio station," #12 in the nation for "professors get high marks," and #20 in the nation for "class discussions encouraged."
— The Best 361 Colleges, by Princeton Review, 2006

A Best Value and Best in the Midwest. #8 in the nation for "students happy with financial aid" and #10 in the nation for "great college radio station."
— The Best 357 Colleges, by Princeton Review, 2005

#1 in the nation for "students happy with financial aid" and #7 in the nation for "best academic bang for your buck." Also ranked Knox 9th in the category "their students never stop studying" and 12th in the country for "great college radio station."
— The Best 351 Colleges, by Princeton Review, 2004

Knox ranks as one of the most diverse--and most international--liberal arts colleges in the nation. #35 in the nation in the percentage of international students.
-- U.S. News & World Report, 2009 Best Colleges

Knox ranks as one of the most diverse—and most international—liberal arts colleges in the nation. #26 in the nation in the percentage of international students.
— U.S. News & World Report, 2008 Best Colleges

Knox ranks as one of the most diverse—and most international—liberal arts colleges in the nation. #19 in the nation in the percentage of international students.
— U.S. News & World Report, 2007 Best Colleges

"Knox has one of the highest academic reputations in Illinois. Knox is #14 in the nation in the percentage of international students."
— U.S. News & World Report, 2006 Best Colleges

"Knox is the #1 academic value among Illinois liberal arts colleges and has one of the highest academic reputations. Knox is #13 in the nation in the percentage of international students."
— U.S. News & World Report, 2005 Best Colleges

"Knox is the #1 academic value among Illinois liberal arts colleges and has one of the highest academic reputations. Knox is among the top twenty liberal arts colleges in the nation in the percentage of international students and among the top 60 most diverse campuses in the country."
— U.S. News & World Report, 2004 Best Colleges

"Though the environment at Knox is homey, the work is serious and wide-ranging, with the professors contributing much to the students' passion for learning. Knox professors are diverse and friendly, but above all, truly interested in their students. Knox College: the interweaving of a vigorous academic life with a fun social life." Ranked in top 10 in the nation for "Most Attractive College Presidents."
                             — The Insider's Guide to the Colleges, 2007

Knox ranks #36 in the nation among liberal arts colleges.
— Washington Monthly College Rankings, 2007

Knox ranks #23 in the nation among liberal arts colleges.
— Washington Monthly College Rankings, 2006

Knox ranks #46 in the nation among liberal arts colleges, #18 for the percentage of federal work-study funds spent on service, #53 for the percentage of Knox alumni in the Peace Corps, and #61 for the amount of money Knox provides to students in research grants.
— Washington Monthly College Rankings, 2005

One of the "100 Best Campuses" in the nation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students.
— The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students

"Knox alumni are 'Satisfied Customers.' Over 81% of young alumni contribute to their alma mater since graduating. Knox students are able to celebrate their individuality in a supportive yet academically challenging environment."
— The Unofficial, Biased Guide to the 331 Most Interesting Colleges, 2005

A "Curious George" School where a large number of students pursue a double major.
— The Unofficial, Biased Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges, 2004

"Knox takes its motto, "Freedom to Flourish," seriously. Students relish the academic choices available. The student body is welcoming, free-spirited, and diverse. Knox is one friendly place."
—Treasure Schools: America's College Gems, 2006

One of the "50 Best Value Liberal Arts Colleges" for 2009-2010
     — Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine

"A College for Writers."
— Creative Colleges: A Guide for Student Actors, Artists, Dancers, Musicians and Writers, by Elaina Loveland

"The 1,200 undergraduates [at Knox] appreciate the school's high academic standards. Many future teachers study here, and the school motto, "Freedom to Flourish," is taken seriously."
— Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That Is Best for You, by Jay Mathews