McKendree University, established in 1828 in Lebanon, Illinois, is the oldest college in the state and a private liberal arts institution ranked among the best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News. The university's 235-acre campus combines historic buildings like Bothwell Chapel with modern facilities including the state-of-the-art Piper Academic Center. McKendree offers 50+ undergraduate programs with strengths in education, business, and nursing, maintaining a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university's Honors Program and undergraduate research opportunities provide enhanced academic experiences.
McKendree's location in the Metro East region provides easy access to St. Louis' cultural and professional opportunities while maintaining a traditional college-town atmosphere. The university's Division II athletic teams have won multiple national championships, and its esports program is among the nation's most competitive. McKendree's global studies program includes study abroad opportunities and international student exchanges. The campus is known for its beautiful oak trees and historic landmarks, including the oldest continuously used academic building in Illinois.
McKendree University Acceptance Rate
McKendree University is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 63.88%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
McKendree University Admission Requirements
McKendree University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at McKendree University is 3.38. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.08 and 3.38, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
McKendree University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at McKendree University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.38, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.38 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.18 – 3.37 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.98 – 3.17 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.97 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At McKendree University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
McKendree University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
McKendree University Average SAT Score: 1074
The average SAT score of the admitted students at McKendree University is 1074 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1074 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1104 SAT or ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. McKendree University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1034, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to McKendree University. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1074 | 1034 | 1104 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1034 then you are below most of the admitted students at McKendree University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1104 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into McKendree University with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at McKendree University are good but the admission staff at McKendree University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
McKendree University Profile
Name: McKendree University
City: Lebanon
State: Illinois
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 62254-1291
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from McKendree University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at McKendree University is USD: 47121. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at McKendree University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
29.09% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 44.55 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to McKendree University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At McKendree University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist McKendree University as your choice in the form.
How much a McKendree University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 58572. An average McKendree University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than McKendree University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville State University, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion Military Institute, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Arkansas Tech University, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Southern Arkansas University Main Campus, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Western Connecticut State University, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Baptist University of Florida, FL | 1045 | 20 |
| Point University | Point University, GA | 1059 | 19 |
| Georgia Southern University | Georgia Southern University, GA | 1057 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as McKendree University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Colorado Mesa University, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Florida College | Florida College, FL | 1068 | 19 |
| Piedmont University | Piedmont University, GA | 1074 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than McKendree University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Biopsychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About McKendree University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58572 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $47121 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of McKendree University is 63.88 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.38. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.08, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.08, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.08 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.98 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to McKendree University if my GPA is below 2.98
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.38, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to McKendree University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1074 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1034-1104
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by McKendree University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.