Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

McKendree University vs Judson University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lebanon IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Elgin IL

The verdict

Judson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $74,232 in 9.3 years versus 9.7 years at McKendree University, on median earnings of $56,313 vs $58,572 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureMcKendree UniversityJudson University
Net price / yr$24,717$18,558
Total net cost$98,868$74,232
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,572$56,313
Median debt$23,250$25,000
Payback9.7 yrs9.3 yrs
20-year net return$105,372$84,828

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, McKendree University or Judson University?

Judson University, at $18,558 a year after aid versus $24,717 — a gap of $6,159 a year, or $24,636 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do McKendree University or Judson University graduates earn more?

McKendree University graduates report a median $58,572 ten years after entry, $2,259 more than the $56,313 at Judson 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, McKendree University or Judson University?

McKendree University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Judson University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at Judson University, 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.

McKendree University vs Judson University: frequently asked questions

Is McKendree University or Judson University a better value?
Judson University. It clears its $74,232 net cost in about 9.3 years versus 9.7 years at McKendree University, on median earnings of $56,313 vs $58,572 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, McKendree University or Judson University?
Judson University: $18,558/yr net price after aid versus $24,717/yr at McKendree University — a difference of $6,159 a year, or about $24,636 over four years.
Do McKendree University or Judson University graduates earn more?
McKendree University graduates earn a median $58,572 ten years after entry, versus $56,313 at Judson University — a $2,259 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.