McKendree University vs. Cornell College

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McKendree University is larger than Cornell College based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Cornell College is in Mount Vernon, IA (Distant Town setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Cornell College 14:1.

McKendree University vs. Cornell College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Cornell College? 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 Cornell College ($22,444 vs. $25,220).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell College are 7% lower than at McKendree University ($11,850 vs. $12,742).
• Cornell College is 51.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $17,920 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.6% higher at Cornell College than at McKendree University (about $17,920 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornell College than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell College students is 57.4% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($41,092 vs. $26,102).

McKendree University vs. Cornell College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell College (1200) is 130 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Cornell College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Cornell College 1120/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Cornell College 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Cornell College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Cornell College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Cornell College has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 14.3% at Cornell College.

McKendree University vs. Cornell College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Cornell College? 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).

• Cornell College's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Cornell College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Cornell College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornell College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Cornell College 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.