McKendree University vs. Rust College

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McKendree University is larger than Rust College based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 467 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Rust College is in Holly Springs, MS (Distant Town setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rust College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Rust College 10:1.

McKendree University vs. Rust College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Rust 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 Rust College than McKendree University ($12,037 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rust College are 51.2% lower than at McKendree University ($6,217 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 161.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rust College (about $21,475 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.9% higher at McKendree University than at Rust College (about $21,475 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,265.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at Rust College (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 137.4% larger than aid received by Rust College students ($26,102 vs. $10,993).

McKendree University vs. Rust College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McKendree University (1070) is 180 points higher than at Rust College (890).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at Rust College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Rust College 440/1339.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Rust College 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Rust College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman McKendree University students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Rust College (2.66).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than Rust College (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 6.4% at Rust College.

McKendree University vs. Rust College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Rust 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).

• McKendree University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Rust College's (28%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $23,200 more per year than Rust College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $25,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $4,587 lower median loan debt than Rust College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,837).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rust College graduates ($240 vs. $287).
• More McKendree University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rust College students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 21%)

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.