McKendree University vs. Iowa

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Iowa is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Iowa is in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; University of Iowa 16:1.

McKendree University vs. Iowa Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Iowa? 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 University of Iowa than McKendree University ($21,765 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 1.4% lower than at University of Iowa ($12,742 vs. $12,920).
• McKendree University is 207.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $23,457 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.1% higher at McKendree University than at University of Iowa (about $1,369 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at University of Iowa (94% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 164.6% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($26,102 vs. $9,865).

McKendree University vs. Iowa Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Iowa (1230) is 160 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Iowa students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; University of Iowa 1130/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; University of Iowa 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Iowa - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 22.4% at Iowa.

McKendree University vs. Iowa Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Iowa? 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).

• University of Iowa's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $1,634 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($21,616 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($223 vs. $240).
• More Iowa graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.