EIU vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern Illinois University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; McKendree University 16:1.

EIU vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU or McKendree 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 Eastern Illinois University than McKendree University ($13,787 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 3.6% lower than at McKendree University ($12,282 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 154% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $21,061 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.2% higher at McKendree University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $18,523 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Illinois University than at McKendree University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 101.4% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($26,102 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU or McKendree 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 McKendree University and EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McKendree University (1070) is 80 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMcKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman EIU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

EIU vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU and McKendree 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $400 lower median loan debt than EIU graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,650).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EIU graduates ($240 vs. $244).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.