UIC vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Illinois Chicago is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (33,906 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Illinois Chicago is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McKendree University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Illinois Chicago 17:1; McKendree University 16:1.

UIC vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIC 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 Illinois Chicago than McKendree University ($10,852 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 22.8% lower than at University of Illinois Chicago ($12,742 vs. $16,500).
• McKendree University is 142.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIC (about $20,402 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $14,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at McKendree University than at University of Illinois Chicago (about $4,856 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $29,884.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at University of Illinois Chicago (94% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 55.8% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Chicago students ($26,102 vs. $16,755).

UIC vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UIC 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 UIC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Chicago (1240) is 170 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming UIC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Chicago 1130/1350; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Chicago 25/31; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIC - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UIC Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UIC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• UIC has a higher acceptance rate (77.4%) than McKendree University (71.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at UIC vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

UIC vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIC 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).

• The graduation rate at UIC is the same as at McKendree University (54% vs. 54%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Chicago earn a median of about $13,600 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,900 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Chicago graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($18,750 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, UIC graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($193 vs. $240).
• More UIC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.