Illinois vs. McKendree University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is larger than McKendree University based on total student enrollment (59,238 students vs. 2,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is located in Champaign, IL (Small City setting); McKendree University is in Lebanon, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 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 Urbana Champaign 20:1; McKendree University 16:1.

Illinois vs. McKendree University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois 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 Urbana Champaign than McKendree University ($13,973 vs. $22,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McKendree University are 12.3% lower than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign ($12,742 vs. $14,522).
• McKendree University is 117.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Illinois (about $18,736 more per year; $34,740.00 vs. $16,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Illinois than at McKendree University (about $384 more per year; $35,124.00 vs. $34,740.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McKendree University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (94% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McKendree University students is 35.3% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Urbana Champaign students ($26,102 vs. $19,299).

Illinois vs. McKendree University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois 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 Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (1420) is 350 points higher than at McKendree University (1070).
• Incoming Illinois students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 23 at McKendree University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 1310/1520; McKendree University 871/1277.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 30/34; McKendree University 18/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois - Test optional; McKendree University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Illinois Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Illinois students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at McKendree University (3.38).
• McKendree University has a higher acceptance rate (71.7%) than Illinois (42.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at Illinois vs. 18.8% at McKendree University.

Illinois vs. McKendree University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois 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 Illinois Urbana Champaign's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than McKendree University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign earn a median of about $18,200 more per year than McKendree University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,500 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than McKendree University graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Illinois graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McKendree University graduates ($211 vs. $240).
• More Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McKendree University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.