About McKendree University
McKendree University builds on nearly two centuries of Methodist tradition in small-town Illinois. The 1,600 students enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere in Lebanon, a suburb outside St. Louis. Founded in 1828, this private university emphasizes personal attention and full undergraduate programs. The school maintains strong ties to its United Methodist heritage while welcoming students of all backgrounds.
Students pay an average net price of $24,190 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $58,572 ten years after graduation, which provides solid returns on investment. Monthly loan payments average $246, and graduates typically carry $23,250 in debt. The employment rate hits 96.2%, suggesting strong career outcomes for graduates.
McKendree takes athletics seriously as a Division II powerhouse in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The school fields 29 varsity sports and awards over $7 million in athletic scholarships annually. More than half the student body participates in athletics at some level. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally. Campus housing accommodates 1,056 students, creating a residential college experience where relationships matter.
Students pay an average net price of $24,190 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $58,572 ten years after graduation, which provides solid returns on investment. Monthly loan payments average $246, and graduates typically carry $23,250 in debt. The employment rate hits 96.2%, suggesting strong career outcomes for graduates.
McKendree takes athletics seriously as a Division II powerhouse in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The school fields 29 varsity sports and awards over $7 million in athletic scholarships annually. More than half the student body participates in athletics at some level. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally. Campus housing accommodates 1,056 students, creating a residential college experience where relationships matter.
Academics & Faculty
McKendree University operates as a full private university with strong roots in the United Methodist tradition dating back to 1828. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for personalized attention in small classes. McKendree has built its reputation around practical programs in business, education, and nursing that prepare students for immediate career entry. The 57% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on working students and non-traditional learners who often take longer to complete degrees. McKendree emphasizes experiential learning through internships and hands-on projects. The university's professional programs attract students seeking direct pathways to careers rather than purely theoretical academic study.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.5%
- Retention Rate
- 68.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,572
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,942 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,823 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Education, General. | Master | $42,012 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,844 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
Campus Life
McKendree's 235-acre campus sits in Lebanon, about 25 miles east of St. Louis, giving students access to big-city internships while living in a college town of 4,000. With housing for 1,056 students and total enrollment of 1,600, about two-thirds of undergraduates live on campus. Illinois winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers reach into the 90s.
The Bearcats dominate campus life with 29 varsity sports and over 1,000 student athletes competing in NCAA Division II. Athletic scholarships total over $7 million, reflecting the school's serious commitment to sports. Students gather at Bothwell Regional Center for games and the campus quad for outdoor events when weather permits. Weekend activities center around athletics, Greek life, and trips to St. Louis for Cardinals games or city entertainment. The United Methodist heritage shows in campus traditions like chapel services, though attendance isn't mandatory. Small class sizes with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know students by name, creating a tight-knit community feel despite being a university.
The Bearcats dominate campus life with 29 varsity sports and over 1,000 student athletes competing in NCAA Division II. Athletic scholarships total over $7 million, reflecting the school's serious commitment to sports. Students gather at Bothwell Regional Center for games and the campus quad for outdoor events when weather permits. Weekend activities center around athletics, Greek life, and trips to St. Louis for Cardinals games or city entertainment. The United Methodist heritage shows in campus traditions like chapel services, though attendance isn't mandatory. Small class sizes with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know students by name, creating a tight-knit community feel despite being a university.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,056 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1828
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–39°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
McKendree draws primarily from Illinois and surrounding Midwest states, reflecting its strong regional reputation as a Methodist institution. The student body splits evenly between men and women, typical for a full university offering both liberal arts and professional programs. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving working-class families in southern Illinois. The diverse mix includes substantial Black and Hispanic representation, making it more inclusive than many small Midwest colleges. Students tend to be first-generation college attendees seeking practical degrees with solid career outcomes.
- Men
- 49.4%
- Women
- 50.6%
- White
- 59.8%
- Black
- 11.9%
- Hispanic
- 6.2%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 57.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.1%
Location
Lebanon, Illinois sits 25 miles east of St. Louis, giving students access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. The community of roughly 4,400 residents creates an intimate college environment where the university's 1,600 students make up a significant portion of the local population. This suburban setting in south-central Illinois offers a blend of rural charm and urban accessibility. Students can enjoy internships and cultural opportunities in St. Louis while experiencing the close-knit feel of a smaller community. The campus housing capacity of 1,056 beds means most students live on or near campus, strengthening school spirit and community connections. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare McKendree University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lebanon, Illinois 62254-1291
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,572
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,757
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at McKendree University?
McKendree University accepts 68.35% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school values its Methodist heritage while maintaining accessible admissions standards for students seeking a close-knit university experience.
How much does McKendree University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $24,190, lower than the sticker price of $47,340 total cost of attendance. McKendree provides substantial financial support, with institutional grants averaging $24,145 for qualifying students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at McKendree University?
McKendree maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,600-student campus. The university emphasizes personalized attention and small class sizes, building on nearly two centuries of educational tradition since 1828.
What are the employment outcomes for McKendree University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.2% employment rate with median earnings of $58,572 ten years after graduation. The university's career-focused programs and strong alumni network help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Where is McKendree University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Lebanon, Illinois, a large suburban setting that balances small-town charm with accessibility to metropolitan areas. Housing capacity of 1,056 supports a residential experience for the majority of the 1,600 students.
How strong is athletics at McKendree University?
McKendree fields 29 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II with over 1,000 student-athletes. The Bearcats distribute $7.1 million in athletic scholarships annually, demonstrating the university's serious commitment to competitive sports.
