McPherson College vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare McPherson College in McPherson, KS with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carson Newman University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

McPherson College vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Carson-Newman 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 Carson Newman University than McPherson College ($20,895 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McPherson College are 2.6% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,498 vs. $11,800).
• McPherson College is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $2,610 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at McPherson College than at Carson Newman University (about $2,610 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 19.5% larger than aid received by McPherson College students ($28,090 vs. $23,513).

McPherson College vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McPherson College or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University and McPherson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 10 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

McPherson College vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and Carson-Newman 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).

• McPherson College's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $2,120 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($23,880 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($246 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carson-Newman University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 65%)

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.