McMurry University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

McMurry University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (3,175 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McMurry University is located in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• McMurry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McMurry University 16:1; Nelson University 15:1.

McMurry University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McMurry 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 McMurry University than Nelson University ($20,723 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 2.4% lower than at McMurry University ($9,598 vs. $9,836).
• McMurry University is 29% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $7,276 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29% higher at McMurry University than at Nelson University (about $7,276 more per year; $32,340.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McMurry University than at Nelson University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McMurry University students is 91.2% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($23,083 vs. $12,075).

McMurry University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McMurry 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 McMurry University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McMurry University (1060) is 70 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McMurry University 950/1160; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McMurry University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McMurry University - Test optional; Nelson University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: McMurry University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McMurry University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than McMurry University (57%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at McMurry University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

McMurry University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McMurry 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 McMurry University's (36%).
• Graduates from McMurry University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $574 lower median loan debt than McMurry University graduates ($26,250 vs. $26,824).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McMurry University graduates ($271 vs. $277).
• More McMurry University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.