McPherson College vs. Southwest Baptist University

Comparable Facts

Compare McPherson College in McPherson, KS with Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Baptist University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (2,199 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Southwest Baptist University is in Bolivar, MO (Distant Town setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Southwest Baptist University 10:1.

McPherson College vs. Southwest Baptist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Southwest Baptist 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 Southwest Baptist University than McPherson College ($21,336 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Baptist University are 15% lower than at McPherson College ($9,776 vs. $11,498).
• McPherson College is 22.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Baptist University (about $6,744 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $30,566.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.1% higher at McPherson College than at Southwest Baptist University (about $6,744 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $30,566.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College than at Southwest Baptist University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McPherson College students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Southwest Baptist University students ($23,513 vs. $19,043).

McPherson College vs. Southwest Baptist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McPherson College or Southwest Baptist 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 Southwest Baptist University and McPherson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McPherson College (1080) is 70 points higher than at Southwest Baptist University (1010).
• Incoming Southwest Baptist University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200; Southwest Baptist University 810/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Southwest Baptist University 17/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Southwest Baptist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southwest Baptist University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• McPherson College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Southwest Baptist University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 34.3% at Southwest Baptist University.

McPherson College vs. Southwest Baptist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and Southwest Baptist 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).

• Southwest Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Southwest Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have a $4,913 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($21,087 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($218 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Baptist 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.