McKendree University vs. Louisville

Comparable Facts

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

University of Louisville is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (23,065 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Louisville is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Louisville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; University of Louisville 14:1.

McKendree University vs. Louisville Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or Louisville? 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 Louisville than McKendree University ($19,785 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Louisville are 1.3% lower than at McKendree University ($12,576 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 164.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Louisville (about $21,604 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $13,136.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.8% higher at McKendree University than at University of Louisville (about $5,258 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $29,482.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Louisville than at McKendree University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 77.8% larger than aid received by University of Louisville students ($26,102 vs. $14,677).

McKendree University vs. Louisville Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Louisville (1160) is 90 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming McKendree University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at Louisville (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; University of Louisville 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; University of Louisville 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; Louisville - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Louisville Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Louisville students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Louisville has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 25.1% at Louisville.

McKendree University vs. Louisville Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and Louisville? 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 University of Louisville's (51%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Louisville graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Louisville graduates have a $3,594 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($19,656 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Louisville graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($203 vs. $240).
• More Louisville graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.