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McKendree University vs Methodist College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Lebanon IL · vs · Private nonprofit, Peoria IL

The verdict

Methodist College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $167,148 in 7.8 years versus 9.7 years at McKendree University, on median earnings of $69,800 vs $58,572 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMcKendree UniversityMethodist College
Net price / yr$24,717$41,787
Total net cost$98,868$167,148
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,572$69,800
Median debt$23,250$31,250
Payback9.7 yrs7.8 yrs
20-year net return$105,372$261,652

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

Which is cheaper, McKendree University or Methodist College?

McKendree University, at $24,717 a year after aid versus $41,787 — a gap of $17,070 a year, or $68,280 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 Methodist College graduates earn more?

Methodist College graduates report a median $69,800 ten years after entry, $11,228 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, McKendree University or Methodist College?

McKendree University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $31,250 at Methodist College, a difference of $8,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

53% of students finish at McKendree University, against 20% at Methodist College. 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 Methodist College: frequently asked questions

Is McKendree University or Methodist College a better value?
Methodist College. It clears its $167,148 net cost in about 7.8 years versus 9.7 years at McKendree University, on median earnings of $69,800 vs $58,572 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, McKendree University or Methodist College?
McKendree University: $24,717/yr net price after aid versus $41,787/yr at Methodist College — a difference of $17,070 a year, or about $68,280 over four years.
Do McKendree University or Methodist College graduates earn more?
Methodist College graduates earn a median $69,800 ten years after entry, versus $58,572 at McKendree University — a $11,228 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.