McKendree University vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

McKendree University vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University ($22,444 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 14.8% lower than at McKendree University ($10,850 vs. $12,742).
• Bellarmine University is 40.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $14,030 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.4% higher at Bellarmine University than at McKendree University (about $14,030 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 49.4% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($39,001 vs. $26,102).

McKendree University vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 70 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bellarmine University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 13.1% at Bellarmine University.

McKendree University vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Bellarmine 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).

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.