McKendree University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pacific Lutheran University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (2,797 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

McKendree University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or PLU? 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 Pacific Lutheran University than McKendree University ($22,299 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 2% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($12,742 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 50.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $17,514 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.4% higher at PLU than at McKendree University (about $17,514 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Lutheran University than at McKendree University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 55.4% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($40,573 vs. $26,102).

McKendree University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 80 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming PLU 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; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman PLU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• PLU has a higher acceptance rate (78%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

McKendree University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Pacific Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $2,550 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($240 vs. $266).
• More PLU 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.