IWU vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

McKendree University is larger than IWU based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 1,582 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, IL (Small City setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois Wesleyan University 12:1; McKendree University 16:1.

IWU vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 McKendree University than IWU ($22,444 vs. $28,644).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 4.7% lower than at Illinois Wesleyan University ($12,742 vs. $13,370).
• Illinois Wesleyan University is 66.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $22,964 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.1% higher at IWU than at McKendree University (about $22,964 more per year; $57,704.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois Wesleyan University than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois Wesleyan University students is 61.6% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($42,181 vs. $26,102).

IWU vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois Wesleyan University (1230) is 160 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming IWU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 1120/1340; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois Wesleyan University 25/30; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than IWU (39.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at IWU vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

IWU vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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 Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,500 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than IWU graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IWU graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.