At $24,190/yr net price, McKendree University graduates earn $58,572/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,572/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,190 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,760 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,572/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,572/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,363/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,177/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,276/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,472/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,682/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,632 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $16,290 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,942 | $22,696 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,823 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,500 | $26,904 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $20,264 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $20,250 |
| Education, General. | Master | $42,012 | $20,813 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,844 | $25,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $18,625 |
The Risk Factor
59.5% of students at McKendree University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
McKendree University delivers solid returns for nursing students but leaves graduates in other fields struggling to justify the cost. The nursing programs stand out with median earnings reaching $92,632, making the $24,190 annual net price a smart investment for healthcare-focused students.
Business administration graduates earn $59,942 with manageable debt of $22,696, creating a workable financial outcome. However, education majors face a tougher reality with earnings of $45,500 to $48,823 while carrying similar debt loads, making loan repayment challenging on teacher salaries in southern Illinois.
The school's 59.5% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. Combined with a 68% retention rate, this suggests students struggle academically or financially during their time here. You face real risk of paying for college without completing your program.
McKendree works best if you plan to study nursing or can secure substantial merit aid to reduce costs. The school awards aid to only 29% of students, so most families pay close to full price. This makes financial sense primarily for nursing majors who will earn enough to comfortably handle typical debt loads.
Skip McKendree if you plan to major in education or other lower-earning fields unless you receive significant scholarship money. The combination of private school pricing with modest earning potential in most programs creates poor ROI. Public universities in Illinois offer better value for education majors and similar outcomes for business students at lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McKendree University worth the cost?
McKendree University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $92,632 annually, making the $24,190 yearly cost worthwhile, but education majors earning $45,500-$48,823 may struggle with the debt load.
What is the average debt for McKendree University graduates?
McKendree University graduates leave with a median debt of $23,250. With 10-year average earnings of $58,572, most graduates can manage this debt load, though education majors may face tighter budgets.
Which McKendree University programs have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at McKendree University offer the strongest return, with graduates earning $92,632 annually. Business administration graduates earn $59,942, while education programs show weaker financial returns at $45,500-$48,823.
How much financial aid does McKendree University give students?
McKendree University brings costs down to $24,190 per year after aid for the average student. However, with a 59.5% graduation rate, nearly 4 in 10 students leave without completing their degree.