McKendree University vs. BSU

Comparable Facts

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

Ball State University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Ball State University is in Muncie, IN (Small City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Ball State University 14:1.

McKendree University vs. BSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or BSU? 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 Ball State University than McKendree University ($13,599 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 3.2% lower than at McKendree University ($12,334 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 213.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $23,658 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.2% higher at McKendree University than at Ball State University (about $5,110 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at Ball State University (94% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 97.5% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($26,102 vs. $13,218).

McKendree University vs. BSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 100 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at BSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Ball State University 1080/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Ball State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; BSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 20.4% at BSU.

McKendree University vs. BSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and BSU? 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.