McKendree University vs. Western Illinois University

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Illinois University is in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Western Illinois University 12:1.

McKendree University vs. Western Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Western Illinois University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Illinois University than McKendree University ($14,208 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 11.2% lower than at McKendree University ($11,320 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 127.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $19,476 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.6% higher at McKendree University than at Western Illinois University (about $19,476 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at Western Illinois University (94% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 74.1% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($26,102 vs. $14,994).

McKendree University vs. Western Illinois University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McKendree University or Western Illinois University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western Illinois University and McKendree University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McKendree University (1070) is 80 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Western Illinois University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Western Illinois University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Western Illinois University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 10.3% at Western Illinois University.

McKendree University vs. Western Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Western Illinois University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• McKendree University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Western Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $1,454 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($240 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.