Knox College Prairie Promise Provides Illinois Students Tuition-Free Program

Knox College recently announced enhancements to their Prairie Promise comprehensive aid  program, effective for the incoming fall 2026 class. Originally announced in fall 2021, the Prairie Promise was designed to make a nationally ranked Knox College education accessible to Illinois residents enrolling for the first time at Knox College. Beginning with next fall’s incoming students, qualifying incoming students from Illinois can now earn a Knox degree 100 percent tuition-free. 

“Knox’s mission has always been to welcome talented students from every background. By covering full tuition for families earning $100,000 or less, we’re opening our doors even wider and making it possible for more students to see themselves here,” said Vice President for Admission and Dean of Enrollment Nathan Ament.

In order to be eligible for the Prairie Promise, incoming students must be: 

• From a family whose income is $100,000 or less
• A first-year or transfer student, admitted to Knox College
• An Illinois resident or member of a Native nation with historical ties to Illinois

“The Prairie Promise is all about helping students attend one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country, right here in their home state,” Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney said. “To put it simply, we will offer students a financial aid package that is competitive with any college or university in the Midwest, public or private." 

With the Prairie Promise, 100% of tuition is covered by gift aid - grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. No special application is required. Incoming students are considered for the Prairie Promise after they are admitted to Knox College and submit their FAFSA. 

“Whether you want to become a business leader or an engineer, a biologist or a writer, a computer scientist or a psychologist, Knox is a place for you. This is a place where you can succeed,” added McGadney. 

Students looking to start in Fall 2026 should apply for admission and aid by the Early Action deadlines of November 1 or December 1, or by the Regular Decision deadline of January 15. Students should submit their FAFSA by February 1.

Learn more about the Prairie Promise at https://www.knox.edu/admission/cost-and-financial-aid/prairie-promise.