McKendree University
Lebanon, Illinois 62254-1291
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
McKendree University is a private institution in Lebanon with particular strength in business and psychology.
A small campus of 1.6K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
60% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $58,572 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $24,190.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History Established by pioneer Methodists, McKendree is the oldest university in the state of Illinois and continues to have ties to the United Methodist Church.
- •First called "Lebanon Seminary", the school opened in two rented sheds for 72 students in 1828 under Edward Raymond Ames.
- •In 1830, Bishop William McKendree, the first American-born bishop of the Methodist church, permitted the board of trustees to change the institution's name to "McKendree College".
- •He was president of McKendree College three times and received its first degree, an honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
55.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,240
Programs (63)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
68%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
11
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from IL state average + suburban adjustment