Mckendree University
Lebanon, United States
McKendree University
Lebanon, United States
Founded
1828
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
2,500+
Acceptance Rate
Contact university
Discover McKendree University: Illinois' Oldest Institution of Higher Learning
Discover McKendree University: Illinois' Oldest Institution of Higher Learning
McKendree University is a private institution located in Lebanon, Illinois, approximately 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1828 as the Lebanon Seminary, it holds the distinction of being the oldest college or university in the state of Illinois and the oldest in the nation with continuous ties to the United Methodist Church.
The university offers over 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and doctoral programs in education and nursing through its four colleges and schools. With a student-faculty ratio of approximately 14:1 and more than 90% of faculty holding a Ph.D. or terminal degree, McKendree provides a personalized educational experience rooted in the liberal arts tradition.
McKendree's 235-acre wooded campus features a blend of historic and modern facilities, including the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, a premier performing arts venue in Southern Illinois. Students from over 40 countries and 46 states are represented on campus, creating a diverse and vibrant academic community.
Key Milestones
- 1828: Founded as Lebanon Seminary, opening in two rented sheds for 72 students under Edward Raymond Ames.
- 1830: Renamed McKendree College after Bishop William McKendree, the first American-born bishop of the Methodist Church.
- 2006: Opened the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, a USD 10 million, 34,400-square-foot performing arts facility.
- 2007: Officially renamed from McKendree College to McKendree University, reflecting expanded graduate and doctoral program offerings.
Academic Structure and Programs at McKendree University
Academic Structure and Programs at McKendree University
McKendree University confers degrees from four colleges and schools, offering over 50 undergraduate majors, 45 minors, and master's degrees in multiple areas including business administration, criminal justice, education, nursing, and clinical mental health counseling. The university also offers a doctoral program in education. Classes are taught by faculty who are leaders in their fields, with a commitment to small class sizes and personalized mentorship.
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences forms the academic core of McKendree, offering a broad range of programs in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and fine arts grounded in the liberal arts tradition.
- Biology
- Psychology
- English
School of Business
The School of Business provides undergraduate and graduate programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), preparing students for leadership roles in the global marketplace.
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Marketing
School of Education
The School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and offers programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels for aspiring educators and administrators.
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Master of Arts in Education
- Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this school offers nursing programs at multiple locations throughout Illinois and Kentucky, as well as online course options.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Athletic Training
Graduate Studies
McKendree's graduate programs are taught by full-time faculty and distinguished practitioners, all dedicated to small classes and student engagement. Graduate programs have been offered since 2004.
- Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Science in Management
Online and Accelerated Programs
McKendree offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in an online format designed for working professionals and adult learners, including the Accelerated Instruction with McKendree (AiM) program for those unable to attend the Lebanon campus.
- Online Bachelor of Business Administration
- Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Admission Requirements for McKendree University
Admission Requirements for McKendree University
Undergraduate Admission
- High School GPARequired; competitive applicants typically hold a solid academic record
- SAT/ACT ScoresTest-optional policy available; typical SAT range 910-1120, ACT range 18-24
- High School TranscriptOfficial high school transcripts required
- Letters of RecommendationRequired as part of the application
- ApplicationFree application via Common Application or McKendree's own online portal
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeBaccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution required
- Minimum GPA3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate coursework
- Official TranscriptsFrom each college or university attended
- ApplicationCompleted graduate application for admission
- International StudentsTOEFL scores and completed International Student Application required
McKendree offers rolling admissions for undergraduate applicants. Apply early for the best scholarship consideration.
Graduate programs accept applications on a rolling basis. Contact the graduate admissions office for specific program timelines.
File the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 for the best financial aid consideration.
Notification of academic scholarship amounts and financial aid awards begins in February.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarship Opportunities at McKendree University
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarship Opportunities at McKendree University
As a private university, McKendree charges the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. The university is committed to making education affordable, with 98% of students receiving some type of institutional aid.
| Cost Category | Annual Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Full-Time, 12-18 credit hours/semester) | USD 35,430 | USD 35,430 |
| Housing (Standard Residence Hall) | USD 5,470 | USD 5,470 |
| Meals (15-Meal Plan) | USD 6,180 | USD 6,180 |
| Fees (Activity/Health) | USD 1,450 | USD 1,450 |
| Total | USD 48,530 | USD 48,530 |
Academic Merit Scholarships
McKendree offers several tiers of academic scholarships for first-year students based on academic achievement, including the Dean's Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and Honors Scholarship.
- Dean's Scholarship: USD 10,000 per year
- Presidential Scholarship: USD 10,000 per year
- Honors Scholarship: USD 13,000 per year
International Student Scholarships
McKendree University provides academic scholarships to international students who have completed the application process and been accepted. Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on academic merit.
- Eligibility: Accepted international students with strong academic records
- Award Basis: Merit-based, awarded at time of admission
- Transfer PTK Scholarship: USD 2,000 annually for Phi Theta Kappa members
Campus and Facilities at McKendree University
Campus and Facilities at McKendree University
McKendree University's main campus spans 235 wooded acres in Lebanon, Illinois, blending historic brick architecture with modern facilities. The campus is conveniently located about 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri, giving students access to a major metropolitan area.
Housing and Dining
Residence Life
McKendree offers three types of residence halls: traditional dorm style, suite style, and apartment style. Approximately 88% of first-year students live on campus.
- Traditional residence halls (co-ed by floor, primarily freshmen)
- Suite-style halls connected by glass bridges (East and West)
- McKendree West Apartments housing approximately 380 students
Dining Options
Students can choose from multiple meal plan options to fit their schedules, with dining facilities conveniently located in the Piper Academic Center.
- 19-meal plan, 15-meal plan, and 10-meal plan options
- 25-meal block plan for flexible dining
- On-campus dining hall and campus cafe options
Student Life at McKendree University
Student Life at McKendree University
McKendree University offers a vibrant student life experience with a wide variety of extracurricular activities including music, debate, community service, campus ministries, study abroad, and Greek life. The close-knit campus community fosters meaningful relationships among students and faculty.
Lebanon, Illinois: A Charming College Town Near St. Louis
Lebanon, Illinois: A Charming College Town Near St. Louis
About Lebanon, Illinois
Founded in 1814, Lebanon is a charming small town with a population of approximately 4,000 residents, located in the Metro-East region of Greater St. Louis. Its small-town atmosphere combined with proximity to a major metropolitan area makes it an ideal setting for university life.
Proximity to St. Louis
Lebanon is located less than 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, providing students with access to professional sports, cultural attractions, dining, internships, and career opportunities in a major U.S. city.
Historic Shopping District
St. Louis Street, known as 'The Brick Street,' features a charming historic shopping district with antique stores, shops, restaurants, and a Visitors Center in the heart of town.
Safe and Welcoming Community
Lebanon offers a safe, welcoming environment with a strong sense of community, ideal for students seeking a focused academic setting with convenient access to urban amenities.
Transportation Access
The campus is accessible via MetroLink commuter rail to downtown St. Louis. Mid-America Airport is 8 miles away, and Lambert International Airport in St. Louis serves major domestic and international routes.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Opportunities in the St. Louis Region
Practical Information for Prospective Students
Practical Information for Prospective Students
For International Students
McKendree has a dedicated International Admission Counselor to guide prospective students through the application process, visa requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Contact the office at +1-618-537-6400.
International students must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or equivalent testing. McKendree works with EducationUSA centers in over 170 countries to assist applicants.
McKendree offers work-study options for international students, campus counseling and wellness programs, career services, and a Student Success and Advising Center to support academic and personal growth.
Key Contacts
- (800) BEARCAT or (618) 537-6831
- inquiry@mckendree.edu
McKendree University Rankings
McKendree University Rankings
McKendree University has been recognized by multiple publications for delivering a quality education at an affordable price. The university has been noted by U.S. News and World Report as well as America's 100 Best College Buys for its value and academic quality.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | College Factual | Highest ranked major at McKendree |
| Education | NCATE Accredited | Regionally recognized program |
| Nursing | CCNE Accredited | Accredited BSN and MSN programs |
| Overall Value | America's 100 Best College Buys | Recognized for value and low graduate debt |
Features
There are nine residence halls on campus and three different types of halls: traditional style, suite style, and apartment style halls. Each of these halls offer unique experiences. The traditional style halls are predominantly freshmen, and have programming focused towards them. The suite style and apartment style halls are predominantly sophomores and above. All halls provide basic furniture, laundry facilities, and internet service. Students living in the following areas are required to purchase a meal plan: Baker Hall, Barnett Hall, Walton Hall, Residence Hall East, Residence Hall West, Suites. Students living in other areas have the option of purchasing a meal plan, though it is not required.\n\nStudents may eat at newly renovated Ames Dining Hall and 1828 Café. The dining hall offers a wide variety of fresh food designed to satisfy everyone's appetite with food choices including fresh fruit and salads, hot, home-style entrées, freshly baked pizza, made-to-order deli choices, freshly baked desserts and homemade soups. The Hall is designed as "all you care to eat" every day of the week. The 1828 Café is open Monday through Friday and offers a variety of hot food items along with salads, snacks, fountain & bottled beverages, ice cream, smoothies, and a coffee bar.\n\nMcKendree offers four different meal plans starting at 10 meals a week up to 19 meals per week. There is also a commuter plan available for $150 per semester which includes anytime meals.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
January - February
Location
701 College Rd, Lebanon, IL 62254, United States
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