McKendree University vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

McKendree University vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Kentucky? 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 Kentucky than McKendree University ($21,958 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 20.4% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,742 vs. $16,016).
• McKendree University is 157.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $21,238 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at McKendree University than at University of Kentucky (about $600 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at McKendree University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 102.4% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($26,102 vs. $12,898).

McKendree University vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 110 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Kentucky 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 Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

McKendree University vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Kentucky? 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 Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($22,750 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($235 vs. $240).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.