I highly recommend Knox College; it was a great place for me to learn critical thinking, writing, and other skills that have served me very well in the several careers I've had since graduating. It's a very personal place where the professors care about teaching and about the development and success of each student. The financial aid I received was very generous.
In terms of tips or advice, I'd suggest taking a look at the many wonderful off-campus programs offered by Knox or the consortium to which it belongs, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. Galesburg is a historic and interesting city, but it's small and is going through a bit of a rough time economically, so it's great to break up your time there by studying abroad or elsewhere in the U.S.