Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at McKendree University

McKendree's nursing program produces outcomes that sit right at the Illinois median but trail several regional competitors by notable margins. The starting salary of $73,156 matches the state median exactly, yet nearby schools like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Governors State ($80,391) deliver 12-14% higher earnings. While McKendree ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, that still means 40% of Illinois nursing programs offer better financial outcomes—a relevant comparison since most students will stay in-state for nursing jobs.

The debt picture is manageable with a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loan payments. Earnings growth to $82,082 after four years shows solid progression, though you're still starting from a lower baseline than you'd get at several comparable Illinois schools. For a family weighing McKendree against state alternatives, the question becomes whether the school's other qualities—campus experience, clinical placements, location—justify accepting $7,000-10,000 less in starting salary.

If your child has admission offers from Governors State or the stronger programs in the Chicago area, those deliver measurably better financial returns. McKendree works as a functional path into nursing, but it's not maximizing earning potential compared to readily available alternatives in Illinois.