Arkansas vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Arkansas is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (33,610 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, AR (Small City setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Arkansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arkansas 20:1; McKendree University 16:1.

Arkansas vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arkansas or McKendree University? 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 Arkansas than McKendree University ($18,408 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 10.5% lower than at University of Arkansas ($12,742 vs. $14,244).
• McKendree University is 243.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Arkansas (about $24,636 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at McKendree University than at University of Arkansas (about $4,774 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $29,966.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at University of Arkansas (94% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 196.5% larger than aid received by University of Arkansas students ($26,102 vs. $8,804).

Arkansas vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arkansas (1130) is 60 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Arkansas 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: University of Arkansas 1030/1220; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arkansas 21/28; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arkansas - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Arkansas Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Arkansas students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• Arkansas has a higher acceptance rate (74.3%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 29.2% at Arkansas vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

Arkansas vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arkansas and McKendree University? 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 Arkansas's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Arkansas earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arkansas graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Arkansas graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More Arkansas graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.