Friends University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Friends University in Wichita, KS with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Friends University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Friends University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Friends University 12:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Friends University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Friends University or Nelson University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Nelson University than Friends University ($22,359 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 15% lower than at Friends University ($9,598 vs. $11,295).
• Friends University is 36.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $9,128 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.4% higher at Friends University than at Nelson University (about $9,128 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Friends University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Friends University students is 78.7% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($21,579 vs. $12,075).

Friends University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Friends University or Nelson University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nelson University and Friends University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Friends University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 960/1090; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Friends University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.7% at Friends University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Friends University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Friends University and Nelson University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Friends University graduates have a $1,738 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($24,512 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, Friends University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($253 vs. $271).
• More Friends University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.