McKendree University Reports Largest Total Enrollment Since 2017

Enrollment continues upward as Clear Path tuition initiative drives momentum in Illinois.

by Tina Napper

Lebanon, IL (10/06/2025) — McKendree University has announced its largest total enrollment since 2017. This marks four consecutive years of enrollment growth at a time when many institutions across the country are seeing numbers decline or stagnate.

This fall, 2,531 total students are enrolled at McKendree - up from 2,415 in 2024. The Class of 2029 is the second largest in university history, with students representing 30 states and 31 countries. The university also saw a record number of applications. Over the past five years, McKendree has seen a 37 percent increase in applications.

A key driver of this continued growth is the university's Clear Path initiative, a tuition guarantee designed to make a private education accessible and affordable for more students across central and southern Illinois. Through Clear Path, eligible students are guaranteed to pay no more than $15,500 in tuition and mandatory fees per year after McKendree University institutional aid is applied.

"While many colleges and universities are struggling to stabilize enrollment, McKendree is growing - and doing so with purpose," said McKendree President Daniel Dobbins. "This momentum reflects the value students and families see in our academic experience, student support, and pricing transparency. Clear Path is helping more students across Illinois access a McKendree education - and that's exactly what it was designed to do."

Prospective students have the opportunity to experience McKendree firsthand during upcoming Preview Days. These on-campus events offer students and families the chance to learn about academic programs, meet faculty and staff, explore student life, tour campus, and find out more about Clear Path. Preview Days will be held on: Saturday, Oct. 18, Saturday, Nov. 15, Monday, Feb. 16, and Saturday, April 18.

Registration is available at www.mckendree.edu.

McKendree University

McKendree University Reports Largest Total Enrollment Since 2017

Enrollment continues upward as Clear Path tuition initiative drives momentum in Illinois.

McKendree University

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