McKendree University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McKendree University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (2,392 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McKendree University is located in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McKendree University 16:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

McKendree University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McKendree University or WLC? 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 McKendree University than WLC ($22,444 vs. $24,095).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 3.9% lower than at McKendree University ($12,250 vs. $12,742).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than McKendree University (about $1,370 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at WLC than at McKendree University (about $1,370 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College than at McKendree University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 6% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($26,102 vs. $24,624).

McKendree University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wisconsin Lutheran College (1100) is 30 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming WLC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 871/1277; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McKendree University 18/28; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McKendree University - Test-free; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at McKendree University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

McKendree University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from McKendree University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McKendree University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, McKendree University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.