McKendree University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

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

Murray State University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Murray State University 17:1.

McKendree University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Murray State 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 Murray State University than McKendree University ($10,182 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 12.8% lower than at McKendree University ($11,112 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 250.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $24,840 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.1% higher at McKendree University than at Murray State University (about $14,904 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 84.1% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($26,102 vs. $14,178).

McKendree University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McKendree University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Murray State University has a higher acceptance rate (85.7%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

McKendree University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Murray State 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).

• McKendree University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More McKendree University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 57%)

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.