ISU vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; McKendree University 16:1.

ISU vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Illinois State University than McKendree University ($21,369 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 7.8% lower than at McKendree University ($11,754 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 115.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $18,596 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at McKendree University than at Illinois State University (about $6,530 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at McKendree University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 101.2% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($26,102 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 30 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming ISU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

ISU vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($22,000 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($227 vs. $240).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.