McKendree University vs Western Illinois University
McKendree University is a private university in Lebanon, IL. Western Illinois University is a public university in Macomb, IL. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants and McKendree University about 72%, making Western Illinois University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,937 a year at Western Illinois University after aid, and about $24,717 at McKendree University. About 57% of students graduate at McKendree University, compared with 45% at Western Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, McKendree University alumni earn a median of about $58,572, against $54,163 for Western Illinois University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lebanon, IL
Macomb, IL
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,752
4,410
Acceptance rate
72%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
871–1277
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
18–28
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,717
$12,937
Full cost / yr
$48,845
$28,254
In-state tuition
$34,740
$15,264
Out-of-state tuition
$34,740
$15,264
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$21,928
$6,941
$30k - $48k
$21,432
$8,787
$48k - $75k
$21,041
$12,062
$75k - $110k
$28,333
$16,294
Over $110k
$29,066
$19,701
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
45%
Freshman retention
67%
61%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,439
$43,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,572
$54,163
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$25,251
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
28%
First-generation students
33%
38%
International students
10%
4%
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 Western Illinois University harder to get into?
- Western Illinois University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% 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 Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,937 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 Western Illinois University?
- Before aid, Western Illinois University costs about $28,254 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 Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,941 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 Western Illinois University?
- Western Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 4,410 undergraduates against 1,752 at McKendree University.
- Does McKendree University or Western Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
- McKendree University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 45% at Western Illinois University.
- Do graduates of McKendree University or Western Illinois University earn more?
- McKendree University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,572 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,163 for Western Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do McKendree University and Western Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
- McKendree University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do McKendree University and Western Illinois University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 871–1277 at McKendree University and 880–1090 at Western Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
McKendree University vs Illinois Wesleyan UniversityMcKendree University vs Chicago State UniversityMcKendree University vs Governors State UniversityWestern Illinois University vs Illinois Wesleyan UniversityWestern Illinois University vs Chicago State UniversityWestern Illinois University vs Governors State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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