McKendree University vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McKendree University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Stephens College 8:1.

McKendree University vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Stephens 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 Stephens College ($22,444 vs. $23,194).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 4.7% lower than at Stephens College ($12,742 vs. $13,366).
• McKendree University is 22.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $6,440 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at McKendree University than at Stephens College (about $6,440 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Stephens College than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($26,102 vs. $23,341).

McKendree University vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 130 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman McKendree University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

McKendree University vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Stephens 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).

• Stephens College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.