Southern Illinois University-Carbondale vs McKendree University: which has better ROI?
McKendree University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,868 in 9.7 years versus 10.6 years at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, on median earnings of $58,572 vs $53,390 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | McKendree University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,297 | $24,717 |
| Total net cost | $53,188 | $98,868 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,390 | $58,572 |
| Median debt | $21,543 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 10.6 yrs | 9.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $47,412 | $105,372 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or McKendree University?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, at $13,297 a year after aid versus $24,717 — a gap of $11,420 a year, or $45,680 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or McKendree University graduates earn more?
McKendree University graduates report a median $58,572 ten years after entry, $5,182 more than the $53,390 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. 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, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale or McKendree University?
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: its completers carry a median $21,543 in federal loans versus $23,250 at McKendree University, a difference of $1,707. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 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.