McKendree University vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

McKendree University vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Southern Illinois University? 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than McKendree University ($13,473 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 3.1% lower than at McKendree University ($12,341 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 160.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $21,406 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 160.5% higher at McKendree University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $21,406 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at McKendree University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 91.8% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($26,102 vs. $13,610).

McKendree University vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McKendree University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Southern Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman McKendree University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

McKendree University vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Southern Illinois University? 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($232 vs. $240).
• More McKendree University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 51%)

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.