Western Illinois University vs McKendree University: which has better ROI?
Western Illinois University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,748 in 8.9 years versus 9.7 years at McKendree University, on median earnings of $54,163 vs $58,572 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Illinois University | McKendree University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,937 | $24,717 |
| Total net cost | $51,748 | $98,868 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,163 | $58,572 |
| Median debt | $25,251 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 9.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $64,312 | $105,372 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Illinois University or McKendree University?
Western Illinois University, at $12,937 a year after aid versus $24,717 — a gap of $11,780 a year, or $47,120 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Illinois University or McKendree University graduates earn more?
McKendree University graduates report a median $58,572 ten years after entry, $4,409 more than the $54,163 at Western Illinois 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, Western Illinois University or McKendree University?
McKendree University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,251 at Western Illinois University, a difference of $2,001. 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 45% at Western Illinois 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.