McKendree University vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Simpson College in Indianola, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McKendree University is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Simpson College 12:1.

McKendree University vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Simpson 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 Simpson College ($22,444 vs. $23,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 17.6% lower than at McKendree University ($10,500 vs. $12,742).
• Simpson College is 37.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $12,916 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.2% higher at Simpson College than at McKendree University (about $12,916 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson College than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 45.2% larger than aid received by McKendree University students ($37,896 vs. $26,102).

McKendree University vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simpson College (1090) is 20 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming McKendree University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Simpson College (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Simpson College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

McKendree University vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Simpson 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).

• Simpson College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Simpson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $48,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Simpson College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.