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Chicago State University vs McKendree University

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL, and McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, IL. Chicago State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 72% at McKendree University. Chicago State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,335 a year against $24,717 at McKendree University. About 57% of students graduate at McKendree University, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, McKendree University alumni earn a median of about $58,572, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

McKendree University

Lebanon, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Lebanon, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,384
1,752
Acceptance rate
43%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
871–1277
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
18–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$24,717
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$48,845
In-state tuition
$12,754
$34,740
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$34,740
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$21,928
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$21,432
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$21,041
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$28,333
Over $110k
$28,427
$29,066
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
57%
Freshman retention
57%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$49,439
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$58,572
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
34%
First-generation students
42%
33%
International students
3%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago State University or McKendree University harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 72% at McKendree University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or McKendree University?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,717 at McKendree University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and McKendree University?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and McKendree University about $48,845. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or McKendree University?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $21,928 at McKendree University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chicago State University or McKendree University?
McKendree University is the larger of the two, with about 1,752 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or McKendree University have a better graduation rate?
McKendree University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or McKendree University earn more?
McKendree University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,572 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chicago State University and McKendree University require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. McKendree University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and McKendree University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 871–1277 at McKendree University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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