Students at McKendree University achieve above-average long-term earnings that exceed expectations, particularly in the university's signature nursing and business programs.
The institution's focused academic portfolio and personalized approach help graduates earn more than similar students at comparable private colleges nationwide.
McKendree University is a small private nonprofit institution in Lebanon, Illinois, that combines personalized education with solid career outcomes. While the university serves a more selective student population—with about 29% receiving Pell Grants and 33% being first-generation students—it delivers above-average long-term earnings for graduates. Students earn a median of $58,572 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 66th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its focused program portfolio, particularly in nursing and business fields, where graduates consistently achieve strong financial returns. McKendree's nursing program stands out as both the highest-earning and most successful in terms of aggregate return, with graduates earning around $66,653 ten years out. Business administration, the university's largest program, provides solid career preparation with graduates earning about $41,844 in early career positions.
As a small private institution, McKendree offers the intimate campus experience and close faculty mentorship that many students value, though this comes with higher net prices than typical public alternatives. The university's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile reflects its ability to deliver strong outcomes for the students it serves, even as access remains more limited than at larger public institutions.
McKendree University's program portfolio centers on professional fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest-earning program and the institution's most successful in terms of total economic impact, with 55 graduates earning a median of $66,653 ten years after graduation. This reflects the strong demand for skilled nurses and McKendree's reputation for preparing healthcare professionals who can command competitive salaries in the field.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 50 students annually with median earnings of $41,844—solid outcomes that reflect the broad applicability of business skills across industries. Actuarial Science, while smaller with 32 graduates, offers specialized training leading to median earnings of $43,798, demonstrating McKendree's ability to prepare students for niche professional fields that require strong analytical and mathematical skills.
The concentration of McKendree's strongest programs in healthcare and business reflects the university's practical, career-oriented approach to education. These fields benefit from the institution's small scale, which allows for close faculty mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong relationships with regional employers who actively recruit McKendree graduates for positions that offer both job security and advancement potential.
McKendree University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed many peer institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,572, placing the university in the 66th percentile nationally for earnings performance. The institution also demonstrates positive earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $2,858 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the value of McKendree's focused academic programs and career preparation.
The university's strongest returns come from its nursing and business programs, which form the core of its academic portfolio. Adult Health Nursing graduates, representing the institution's highest-earning program, achieve median earnings of $66,653 ten years out, combining strong individual outcomes with substantial aggregate return given the program's 55 graduates. Business Administration and Management, McKendree's largest program with 50 graduates, provides solid career preparation leading to median earnings of $41,844, while Actuarial Science offers specialized training with graduates earning around $43,798.
McKendree's focused program mix, concentrated in professional fields like nursing and business, helps explain the institution's above-average earnings performance. The university's small scale allows for personalized career guidance and strong employer relationships in key fields, particularly healthcare, where demand for skilled professionals continues to drive competitive salaries and job security for graduates.
Affordability at McKendree University reflects the typical pricing structure of a small private institution, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay about $23,363 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $21,276 per year—somewhat lower than the low-income price due to the university's aid distribution patterns. High-income families face the highest net price at approximately $26,682 annually, reflecting the institution's reliance on tuition revenue and more limited endowment resources compared to larger private universities.
The university's affordability profile places it in the 29th percentile nationally, indicating that costs run higher than most institutions, which is typical for small private colleges. However, McKendree's aid packaging helps moderate these costs for many families, particularly those in the middle-income range who often face the greatest challenges in college affordability. The institution's focused approach to financial aid, combined with its strong career outcomes in key programs like nursing, helps justify the investment for families who prioritize personalized education and professional preparation over lower upfront costs.
Mckendree University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
