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McKendree University

McKendree University

Lebanon, IL · Suburb · 1,752 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$24,717
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
57%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
52% typical
$58,572
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$51,562 typical
72%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

As Illinois’ oldest college, McKendree University in Lebanon is best known for its rich history dating back to 1828 and its highly supportive, close-knit community located just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. The university excels in preparing career-ready graduates through its premier programs in business, nursing, education, and psychology, all of which benefit from small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship. On campus, students experience a vibrant student life driven by competitive NCAA Division II athletics, active student organizations, and a strong commitment to community service. What truly sets McKendree apart is this unique combination of a historic, safe, small-town campus environment with immediate, direct access to the professional internships and cultural opportunities of a major metropolitan area.


Wikipedia: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 with the United Methodist Church.

Location
Lebanon, IL, 62254-1291 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
STL · St. Louis
31 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$34,740
Housing & food (on campus)$12,742
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$52,892
Average net price$24,717
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$34,740
Housing & food (on campus)$12,742
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$52,892
Average net price$24,717
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.mckendree.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
McKendree University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$34,660
Fees$1,450
Housing$5,470
Food$6,330
Books & supplies$1,000
Personal expenses$1,680
Transportation$1,080
Total published by the school$52,892
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$21,928
$30–48k
$21,432
$48–75k
$21,041
$75–110k
$28,333
$110k+
$29,066
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
57%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
42%
Back for yr 2
67%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
55% graduated · 34% transferred · 11% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$49,439
10 yrs after entry$58,572
Debt
Median at graduation$23,250
Monthly payment$246
Middle 50% owe$7.5k–$26.5k
90th percentile$34,177
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs, $51,562 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
72%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard

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Essay prompts

If McKendree University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 46%Women 54%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
16 : 1
Pell grant
34%
First-gen
33%
Family income
$49,041
Independent
27%
Age at entry
23.0
Part-time
7%
Race & ethnicity
White
54%
Hispanic
5%
Black
9%
Asian
1%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
10%
Unknown
16%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Beach Volleyball
    Women's
  • Bowling
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Ice Hockey
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Women's
  • Other Sports
    Men's · Women's · Co-ed
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Women's
  • Swimming and Diving (combined)
    Men's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Men's · Women's
  • Water Polo
    Men's · Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$49,439
After 10 yrs
$58,572
Business Administration, Management and Operations51
Psychology, General34
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness32
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing27
Biopsychology21
Marketing19
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods18
Sociology18
Economics15
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods14
Accounting and Related Services13
Human Resources Management and Services11
Mathematics9
Education, General8
Biology, General7
Natural Resources Conservation and Research6
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$40M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$7,069/mo
Teaching spend
$4,640
per student
Federal loans
42%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if McKendree University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search