McKendree University Continues Celebrating Historic Enrollment Success for Third Consecutive Year

(LEBANON, Ill.) – For three years in a row, McKendree University has experienced remarkable growth, something that only a select number of institutions of higher learning are currently experiencing.

This year, McKendree welcomed 535 new students and saw a total enrollment of 1,361 students, up from last year’s 1,304. This class – the university’s bicentennial class – is also the largest incoming class ever in the institution’s 196-year history. The diverse student body hails from 35 states including Illinois and 29 other countries. The university also saw a record number of applications, admissions, and enrollment.

The Class of 2028 has also exhibited exceptional excellence with 85 percent of students receiving academic scholarships and a record 25 percent receiving the Honors scholarship, the highest academic award the university can bestow.

Additionally, 50 percent of these incoming students have chosen McKendree as their home thanks to the university’s Clear Path initiative. A key factor that has directly contributed to McKendree’s enduring enrollment success, Clear Path provides transparency in the scholarship and financial aid process for undergraduate students residing in nearby counties, guaranteeing them the personalized experience provided by a private institution at a public school price. Initiated in 2021 with 34 counties, Clear Path now includes a total of 63 counties in Illinois.

McKendree is also celebrating continued growth in its education programs, including the new Paraprofessional+ Pathway program and its Master of Arts in Teaching degree. The Paraprofessional+ Pathway program, which gained official certification from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) this spring, has experienced a 28 percent enrollment increase this fall, which will ultimately translate into a surge of licensed teachers at the elementary level and in special education. Likewise, the Master of Arts in Teaching program has enjoyed a 25 percent enrollment increase this fall. This program allows paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, content knowledge pathway candidates and anyone who already holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university to receive their initial licensure in either three or five semesters online.

McKendree will be hosting Preview Days this year, which will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the university’s academics, co-curricular activities and campus life during an interactive student-faculty panel and campus tour. This year, Preview Days will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9; Monday, Feb. 17, 2025; and Saturday, April 12, 2025. Interested students and parents may register for a Preview Day here.

For more information about enrollment and programs at McKendree University, please visit the university’s website.

 

-McK-