McKendree University vs Northern Illinois University
McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, IL, and Northern Illinois University is a public university in Dekalb, IL. Northern Illinois University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 70% of applicants against 72% at McKendree University. Northern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,391 a year against $24,717 at McKendree University. About 57% of students graduate at McKendree University, compared with 49% at Northern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, McKendree University alumni earn a median of about $58,572, against $57,808 for Northern Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lebanon, IL
Dekalb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,752
11,301
Acceptance rate
72%
70%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
871–1277
940–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
18–28
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,717
$13,391
Full cost / yr
$48,845
$28,851
In-state tuition
$34,740
$13,248
Out-of-state tuition
$34,740
$13,248
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,928
$10,126
$30k - $48k
$21,432
$9,854
$48k - $75k
$21,041
$12,797
$75k - $110k
$28,333
$17,612
Over $110k
$29,066
$21,834
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
49%
Freshman retention
67%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,439
$46,113
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,572
$57,808
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$22,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
47%
First-generation students
33%
38%
International students
10%
2%
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.
- Is McKendree University or Northern Illinois University harder to get into?
- Northern Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 70% 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, McKendree University or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,391 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 McKendree University and Northern Illinois University?
- Before aid, Northern Illinois University costs about $28,851 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, McKendree University or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,126 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, McKendree University or Northern Illinois University?
- Northern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 11,301 undergraduates against 1,752 at McKendree University.
- Does McKendree University or Northern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- McKendree University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 49% at Northern Illinois University.
- Do graduates of McKendree University or Northern Illinois University earn more?
- McKendree University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,572 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,808 for Northern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do McKendree University and Northern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- McKendree University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northern Illinois University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do McKendree University and Northern Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 871–1277 at McKendree University and 940–1170 at Northern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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