Lake Forest College vs McKendree University: which has better ROI?
Lake Forest College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,692 in 8.5 years versus 9.7 years at McKendree University, on median earnings of $61,825 vs $58,572 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lake Forest College | McKendree University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,673 | $24,717 |
| Total net cost | $114,692 | $98,868 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,825 | $58,572 |
| Median debt | $26,158 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 8.5 yrs | 9.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $154,608 | $105,372 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lake Forest College or McKendree University?
McKendree University, at $24,717 a year after aid versus $28,673 — a gap of $3,956 a year, or $15,824 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lake Forest College or McKendree University graduates earn more?
Lake Forest College graduates report a median $61,825 ten years after entry, $3,253 more than the $58,572 at McKendree University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Lake Forest College or McKendree University?
McKendree University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $26,158 at Lake Forest College, a difference of $2,908. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
78% of students finish at Lake Forest College, against 53% at McKendree University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.