McKendree University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

McKendree University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than McKendree University ($17,331 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 4.5% lower than at McKendree University ($12,174 vs. $12,742).
• McKendree University is 127.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $19,488 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.5% higher at McKendree University than at Western Michigan University (about $15,706 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University as at Western Michigan University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 136.3% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($26,102 vs. $11,048).

McKendree University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 40 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming McKendree University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 23) as students at WMU (23).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

McKendree University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $600 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $3,383 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($240 vs. $275).
• More McKendree University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 54%)

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.