Monmouth College, located in Monmouth, Illinois, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and community engagement. Founded in 1853, the college has a rich history and a commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment. Monmouth College’s mission is encapsulated in its motto, "In the service of others," which reflects its dedication to developing students who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible. The college encourages students to engage in service-learning opportunities, preparing them for meaningful lives and careers after graduation.

The campus is characterized by its historic buildings and beautiful green spaces, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for students. Monmouth College offers a wide range of majors and minors, with particularly strong programs in fields such as business, education, and the sciences. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 12:1, the college prides itself on providing personalized attention and mentorship, allowing students to thrive academically and personally. Extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and various student organizations, contribute to a well-rounded college experience. The college’s commitment to student success is evident in its robust career services, which support students in securing internships and employment after graduation. Monmouth College has a reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further education, making it a valuable institution in the landscape of higher education.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Monmouth College

Monmouth College, a private institution, has witnessed a significant increase in tuition fees over the years. From 2014 to 2024, in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition has risen from $31,500 to $43,520, marking an increase of approximately 38%. This rise in tuition is consistent with broader national trends, where college costs have escalated, putting financial pressure on students and families. Additionally, room and board costs have also increased, further adding to the financial burden.

Enrollment figures reveal a concerning trend, with undergraduate student numbers declining from 1,255 in 2014 to just 767 in 2023. This nearly 39% drop in enrollment could be attributed to various factors, including the rising costs of education and changing demographics in higher education. Such a decline might prompt the college to reevaluate its recruitment strategies and financial aid offerings to attract more students.

Graduation rates have shown some fluctuation but present a relatively stable picture. The on-time graduation rate hovered around 38% in 2013, reached a high of 57% in 2016, and stabilized around 51% by 2023. This suggests that while the college has made strides in improving graduation outcomes, the rates still indicate that nearly half of the students do not graduate within the expected timeframe. This could also correlate with enrollment declines, as students may face challenges that impede their progress towards graduation.

In conclusion, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment at Monmouth College are critical issues that warrant attention. Balancing affordability with quality education will be crucial for the institution to enhance its appeal and ensure student success in the coming years.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Monmouth College

The graduation data from Monmouth College in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends and insights. Specifically, the Business Administration and Management program stands out with the highest graduation rate, producing 24 graduates at the bachelor's level. This reflects the sustained demand for business-related degrees, which often lead to diverse career opportunities in a competitive job market.

Interestingly, the Exercise Science and Kinesiology program follows closely with 20 graduates, highlighting a growing interest in health and wellness fields. This trend aligns with increasing public awareness of fitness and health, potentially influenced by the global push towards healthier lifestyles post-pandemic.

Moreover, the data shows that certain disciplines, such as Education and Psychology, continue to attract a significant number of students, with 12 and 9 graduates, respectively. These fields are crucial as they prepare future educators and mental health professionals, roles that are increasingly recognized for their importance in society.

Another noteworthy aspect is the presence of international students, particularly in Business Administration, where three international students graduated. This indicates Monmouth College's appeal to a global audience, enhancing cultural diversity on campus.

In contrast, several programs report very low or no graduation numbers, particularly at the master's and doctorate levels, which may suggest a need for reevaluation of these programs or a shift in student interest toward fields with higher demand. Overall, the graduation data highlights both the strengths and potential areas for growth within Monmouth College's academic offerings.

Analysis of Admission Trends at Monmouth College

The admission statistics of Monmouth College over the years reveal significant trends that reflect changing dynamics in higher education. Notably, the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have fluctuated considerably from 2009 to 2023. The male acceptance rate saw a decline from approximately 71% in 2009 to a low of 49.9% in 2017, before recovering to an impressive 90.2% in 2023. This marked increase in recent years suggests a strategic shift by the college towards attracting a larger pool of students, potentially in response to declining enrollment numbers that many institutions face. Similarly, the acceptance rate for female applicants has also experienced fluctuations, peaking at 91.6% in 2023. This upward trend may indicate a deliberate effort to enhance gender diversity and inclusivity within the student body, aligning with broader societal movements towards gender equality in education. The number of enrolled students and those denied admission also illustrates the competitive nature of the selection process. For instance, in 2014, the college had 392 enrollments against a staggering 1,061 denials, indicating a highly selective environment at that time. Conversely, in 2023, with a drop in the number of denials to 169 alongside 231 enrollments, it indicates a more accessible admission policy which may be aimed at boosting enrollment figures post-pandemic. Overall, Monmouth College’s data highlights a responsive approach to the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, showcasing both the challenges and opportunities that arise in attracting a diverse and capable student body.

Analysis of Monmouth College Admission Scores Over the Years

The admission data for Monmouth College from 2007 to 2023 reveals significant trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. Over the years, the college has seen fluctuations in both SAT and ACT submission rates, with a noticeable increase in the number of students submitting scores in recent years. For example, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores peaked at 82% in 2020, a clear indication of a growing trend toward standardized testing as part of the admission process.

When examining SAT scores, it is evident that there has been a general upward trend in the scores from the lower end in the 480-550 range in earlier years to a more competitive 510-640 range in recent years. The 25th percentile scores have also shown improvement, suggesting that the college is attracting higher-performing students. The same trend is observed in ACT scores, where the 25th to 75th percentile ranges have shifted positively over the years, indicating a rise in the overall academic caliber of the incoming classes.

Interestingly, despite the increase in submitted scores, there were fluctuations in the number of applicants and their respective percentages. The data indicates that in 2019 and 2020, the college received a large number of SAT submissions, possibly influenced by changes in testing policies or the overall competitive landscape of higher education admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, Monmouth College appears to be positioning itself as a selective institution, with increasing academic standards reflected in both the submitted scores and the profiles of admitted students. As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the coming years.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Monmouth College in 2023

In 2023, Monmouth College presents a diverse and balanced demographic among its student body. The undergraduate freshmen make up a significant portion of the enrollment, with 231 students, where males account for 55% and females 45%. This gender distribution indicates a relatively healthy gender balance, though it skews slightly towards male students in this category.

The undergraduate continuing students exhibit an almost equal gender distribution, with 498 students comprised of 49.8% males and 50.2% females, reflecting a commendable effort in maintaining gender parity in the academic environment. Conversely, the undergraduate transfer students show a more pronounced gender imbalance, with only 37.5% being male and 62.5% female among the 32 students. This trend may suggest that more female students are seeking transfer opportunities, possibly due to the evolving educational and career landscape favoring women in higher education.

In addition to gender diversity, the racial and ethnic composition of students is noteworthy, especially among the freshmen. While specific figures on the breakdown are not provided, the presence of a variety of ethnic groups is vital for fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Overall, Monmouth College seems to be making strides in promoting a diverse and balanced student body. However, the college may want to investigate the reasons behind the gender and ethnic disparities in certain student categories, particularly among transfer students, to ensure equitable opportunities for all.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Monmouth College in 2023

The age distribution data from Monmouth College reveals insightful trends regarding the demographics of its student body. The majority of students fall within the age ranges of 18-19 and 20-21, with 133 male undergraduates and 117 female undergraduates in the 18-19 age group. The 20-21 age group follows closely, comprising 177 male undergraduates and 190 female undergraduates. This indicates a strong presence of traditional college-aged students, which is consistent with national trends where universities often see a high enrollment of students immediately after high school.

Interestingly, there is a significant drop in enrollment for students aged 22-24, with only 57 males and 72 females. This decline may suggest that many students complete their undergraduate degrees within the typical timeframe of four years and either enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies. The data shows a stark contrast in the number of graduate students, as there appear to be no male or female graduate students in the age categories of 18-21, which further emphasizes that graduate enrollment typically occurs later in one's educational journey.

Moreover, the data highlights the low representation of non-traditional students, particularly those aged 25 and above, which is reflective of broader trends in higher education where younger students dominate. The presence of only a few students in the older age categories could point to a need for institutions to cater more effectively to adult learners, especially in light of the growing emphasis on lifelong learning. Overall, Monmouth College's age distribution aligns with common patterns seen in many colleges across the United States, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to attract and retain a diverse student population.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Monmouth College

The data on international student enrollment at Monmouth College reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in undergraduate programs. In the early years of the data, from 2004 to 2014, international student enrollment remained relatively low, with percentages below 3%. However, the period from 2015 to 2018 marked a notable increase, peaking at 7.32% in 2017. This surge could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced recruitment efforts, growing global awareness of the college, and a competitive academic environment appealing to international students.

However, the trend shifted dramatically from 2019 onwards, with a sharp decline in the total number of undergraduate students, as well as in the number and proportion of international students. The COVID-19 pandemic likely played a significant role in this downturn, as many institutions worldwide faced challenges related to travel restrictions and a shift to online learning, which may have deterred prospective international students.

The recent years indicate a slight recovery, with 2.48% of undergraduate students being international in 2023, which suggests that Monmouth College is gradually regaining its appeal to international students. Nonetheless, continued efforts are essential to sustain and bolster these numbers. As global education landscapes evolve, it will be crucial for the college to adapt its strategies in recruitment and support for international students to ensure a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Here are some notable colleges and universities around Monmouth College:

1. Knox College - Ranked 75 in the 2024 US News rankings, Knox College is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on critical thinking and community engagement.

2. Augustana College - With a rank of 100, Augustana College offers a vibrant liberal arts education, focusing on experiential learning and leadership development.

3. Grinnell College - Highly regarded and ranked 11th, Grinnell College emphasizes social justice and offers a rigorous academic environment with a commitment to individualized learning.

4. Wheaton College - Ranked 56, Wheaton College is known for its strong Christian values intertwined with a liberal arts education, providing a holistic approach to student development.

5. Bradley University - At rank 185, Bradley University offers a comprehensive education with a focus on professional programs and research opportunities.

6. University of Iowa - Ranked 93, the University of Iowa is a major research university recognized for its writing programs and diverse academic offerings.

7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - A prestigious institution ranked 35th, it is known for its extensive research programs and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities in close proximity to Monmouth College, catering to diverse academic interests and career aspirations.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Monmouth College

The crime statistics at Monmouth College from 2013 to 2023 reveal significant fluctuations in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. The data indicates a peak in 2020 with a rate of 27.75, which is notably higher than the surrounding years. This spike may correlate with broader societal issues, including the stress and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have been linked to increased rates of substance abuse and related crimes.

Interestingly, the overall trend shows a decline in crime rates from 2021 to 2022, where the rate dropped to 14.30, suggesting an improvement in campus safety. However, this was followed by a slight increase in 2023, bringing the rate back up to 21.38. It is essential to consider that fluctuations in crime rates can be influenced by various factors, including changes in campus policies, community engagement programs, and the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.

The data also highlights specific crime categories, such as drug-related arrests and alcohol-related offenses, which are critical areas for focusing preventive measures. The absence of gun-related arrests on campus is a positive aspect that underscores the effectiveness of safety protocols in place.

Overall, while Monmouth College has seen a range of crime rates over the years, the recent data suggests a trend towards improvement, albeit with caution needed as rates fluctuate. Continuous efforts in promoting student well-being and safety are vital in ensuring a secure campus environment. For more on how crime rates are calculated, visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.