2025 admissions data

Monmouth College Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 86.6% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 87 actually get in. No guessing. Monmouth College is a 4YEAR institution located in Monmouth, IL — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Monmouth College is a distinctive choice for students who thrive in a close-knit environment and value individualized attention in their education. With a low student-faculty ratio and average class sizes of just 14, students can expect active participation and engagement in discussions. However, this may not be the ideal setting for those who prefer the resources and options available at larger institutions. A trade-off here is that while Monmouth fosters strong relationships with faculty, students might find fewer specialized courses and extracurricular activities compared to larger universities. This college is particularly well-suited for students interested in liberal arts who may flourish in an academic environment that emphasizes collaboration and critical thinking. Conversely, those looking for a highly urban campus experience or extensive research opportunities may need to seek alternatives. The supportive atmosphere may also appeal to first-generation college students, who make up a significant portion of the student body. Overall, Monmouth offers an enriching environment, but potential applicants should consider their personal academic and lifestyle preferences.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

83.8%

Acceptance Rate

Women

90.8%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

1,589

Admitted

1,376

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Monmouth College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math500–600

Reading510–630

ACT Score Range

English19–26

Math17–26

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How to Interpret the Monmouth College Acceptance Rate the Right Way

Searching for the Monmouth College acceptance rate is often the first step students take when researching admissions. While the number itself is easy to find, interpreting it correctly takes a bit more nuance. Acceptance rates are averages, and averages rarely tell personal stories.

At Monmouth College, an acceptance rate of 86.6% reflects a wide mix of applicants—some highly prepared, some just beginning to explore college options. This makes the number useful for context, but unreliable as a predictor of individual outcomes.

What Drives Acceptance Rates at Universities Like Monmouth College

One major factor behind acceptance rates is applicant volume. When more students apply without fully meeting academic expectations, acceptance rates tend to rise. That doesn’t necessarily mean the university is lowering standards—it often means the applicant pool is broader.

At the same time, program-level demand plays a big role. Certain majors at Monmouth College may be far more competitive than others, which means students applying to those programs experience a different admissions reality than the overall acceptance rate suggests.

Why Students Misjudge Their Chances

Many students assume a higher acceptance rate means admissions are straightforward. In reality, admissions decisions are contextual. Coursework rigor, academic consistency, and clarity of goals often matter more than the headline acceptance rate.

The smartest way to use the acceptance rate at Monmouth College is as a planning signal. It helps students understand competitiveness at a high level, but real admissions outcomes depend on how well an applicant’s profile aligns with the university’s priorities.

Admissions Insight

When considering Monmouth College, one crucial non-obvious factor to evaluate is the significance of the liberal arts program in shaping career outcomes. While the allure of specialized programs may tempt students, Monmouth’s commitment to a broadly-based education enables graduates to adapt to shifting job markets. The emphasis on liberal arts nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills—attributes that are highly valued in today’s diverse professional environments. Many students underestimate how the specific major they choose can impact long-term career opportunities. At Monmouth, the ability to combine various disciplines through flexible majors and minors allows students to tailor their academic experiences. This means that a graduate might enter the workforce with not just technical skills relevant to their major but also a deeper understanding of societal contexts, ethics, and analytical thought processes. Graduates often find that employers appreciate the breadth of their knowledge and a willingness to learn, making them well-prepared for careers that do not exist yet. Therefore, while students may initially choose specific majors based on current job trends, the transformative experience of a liberal arts education at Monmouth can offer a more comprehensive preparation for the unpredictable future of work.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: N/A

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: https://ou.monmouthcollege.edu/admissions/apply/default.aspx

Your Chances of Getting Into Monmouth College

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Monmouth College based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

How Students Should Use Admissions Information Going Forward

After reviewing admissions data, many students feel pressure to draw firm conclusions. But college admissions rarely reward certainty — they reward preparation and thoughtful decision-making.

Admissions outcomes are influenced by shifting factors: applicant interest, program capacity, and institutional priorities. That’s why the same university can feel approachable to one student and competitive to another.

Turning Research into Strategy

The best applicants use admissions information to shape their approach, not limit their options. They ask where they are competitive, where they may need stronger positioning, and how each school fits into their overall goals.

If Monmouth College aligns with your academic direction and expectations, then admissions data should help you plan — not second-guess yourself. Strategy, not speculation, leads to better outcomes.

Should You Apply to Monmouth College?

If 86.6% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Monmouth College

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Monmouth College Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate and admission process at Monmouth College?

Monmouth College has an acceptance rate of 87% and employs rolling admissions. The college utilizes a need-blind admission policy, which means that financial circumstances do not impact the admission decision.

How much does Monmouth College cost and what financial aid is available?

The annual net price at Monmouth College is approximately $19,088, and all students receive some form of financial aid. This may include scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.

What is the average class size and student-faculty ratio?

Monmouth College boasts a favorable student-faculty ratio of 10:1, resulting in an average class size of just 14 students. This setting encourages personalized attention from faculty.

What majors and programs does Monmouth College offer?

Monmouth College provides a range of academic options, including 44 majors, 41 minors, and 13 pre-professional tracks. This diversity allows students to explore various interests and career pathways.

What percentage of Monmouth College students live on campus?

Approximately 88% of students at Monmouth College reside on campus, fostering a tight-knit community and allowing for deeper engagement with peers and faculty.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Monmouth College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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