McKendree University
McKendree University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
McKendree University at a Glance
McKendree University (McK), formerly McKendree College, is a private university in Lebanon, Illinois, United States. Founded in 1828 as the "Lebanon Seminary", it is the oldest college or university in Illinois. The school was renamed McKendree University beginning in the 2007–08 academic year. McKendree enrolls approximately 1,960 students representing 25 countries and 29 states. In the undergraduate program, on average, there are 51% females and 49% males. The institution remains affiliated wi…
1828
198 years old
$35M
$34.7 million
1,960
1,534 undergrad · 426 grad
92
235 acres
Identity
Is McKendree University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, McKendree University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,572 — 9% above average — while paying $24,717/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at McKendree University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How McKendree University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IL
Ranked #117 of 213 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #4 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #5 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #117 | McKendree University | 34 | $24,717 | $58,572 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of McKendree University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in IL.
Best Programs at McKendree University
The highest-earning program at McKendree University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $68,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from McKendree University earns $68,800, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,114 in median debt vs. $24,450 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,717/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $68,800 | $68,800 | $21,114 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $41,800 | $41,800 | $26,990 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,000 | $41,000 | $21,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $40,900 | $40,900 | $25,863 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $38,000 | $38,000 | $26,989 |
| Marketing | $32,300 | $32,300 | $22,912 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,600 | $31,600 | $23,250 |
| Sociology | $29,300 | $29,300 | $24,250 |
| Psychology, General | $28,100 | $28,100 | $24,450 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lebanon, IL
- Student Body
- 1,752 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,717
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,572
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250