McKendree University vs. Northern Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Northern Illinois University is in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Northern Illinois University 15:1.

McKendree University vs. Northern Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Northern Illinois? 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 Northern Illinois University than McKendree University ($14,243 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 10% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($12,742 vs. $14,160).
• McKendree University is 162.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northern Illinois (about $21,492 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.2% higher at McKendree University than at Northern Illinois University (about $21,492 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at McKendree University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 81.4% larger than aid received by Northern Illinois University students ($26,102 vs. $14,387).

McKendree University vs. Northern Illinois Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McKendree University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Northern Illinois).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Northern Illinois University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Northern Illinois University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Northern Illinois - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McKendree University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 12.1% at Northern Illinois.

McKendree University vs. Northern Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Northern Illinois? 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Northern Illinois graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $609 lower median loan debt than Northern Illinois graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,859).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northern Illinois graduates ($240 vs. $246).
• More Northern Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.