McKendree University vs. Drake

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Drake University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Drake University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Drake University 11:1.

McKendree University vs. Drake Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Drake? 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 Drake ($22,444 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 2.3% lower than at McKendree University ($12,452 vs. $12,742).
• Drake University is 50.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $17,390 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.1% higher at Drake than at McKendree University (about $17,390 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 36% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($35,498 vs. $26,102).

McKendree University vs. Drake Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 160 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Drake 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; Drake University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Drake University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Drake - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 9.8% at Drake.

McKendree University vs. Drake Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $20,200 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.