McPherson College vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare McPherson College in McPherson, KS with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

McPherson College vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University than McPherson College ($26,056 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McPherson College are 3.8% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,498 vs. $11,950).
• McPherson College is 33.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $9,410 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.7% higher at McPherson College than at Columbia International University (about $9,410 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McPherson College students is 38.2% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($23,513 vs. $17,009).

McPherson College vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McPherson College or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University and McPherson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 10 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming McPherson College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Columbia International University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027; Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

McPherson College vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 63%)

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.