McKendree University vs. St. Mary's College

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McKendree University is larger than St. Mary's College based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 1,601 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Saint Mary's College is in Notre Dame, IN (Rural Fringe setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Mary's College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Saint Mary's College 9:1.

McKendree University vs. St. Mary's College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or St. Mary's 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 McKendree University than St. Mary's College ($22,444 vs. $27,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 10.6% lower than at Saint Mary's College ($12,742 vs. $14,260).
• Saint Mary's College is 53.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $18,490 more per year; $53,230.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.2% higher at St. Mary's College than at McKendree University (about $18,490 more per year; $53,230.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Mary's College than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Mary's College students is 48.4% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($38,748 vs. $26,102).

McKendree University vs. St. Mary's College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McKendree University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's College and McKendree University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Mary's College (1230) is 160 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming St. Mary's College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Saint Mary's College 1130/1325.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Saint Mary's College 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; St. Mary's College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's College students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• St. Mary's College has a higher acceptance rate (76%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 20.1% at St. Mary's College.

McKendree University vs. St. Mary's College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and St. Mary's 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).

• Saint Mary's College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Saint Mary's College earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More St. Mary's College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.