McKendree University vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

McKendree University vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or UNI? 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 Northern Iowa than McKendree University ($16,437 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 21.6% lower than at McKendree University ($9,986 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 249.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $24,804 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60% higher at McKendree University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $13,028 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at University of Northern Iowa (94% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 345% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($26,102 vs. $5,865).

McKendree University vs. UNI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 80 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming McKendree University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 31.1% at UNI.

McKendree University vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McKendree University and UNI? 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 Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $600 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $2,625 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($20,625 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($213 vs. $240).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.