McPherson College vs. Southwestern College

Comparable Facts

Compare McPherson College in McPherson, KS with Southwestern College in Winfield, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwestern College is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (1,041 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

McPherson College vs. Southwestern College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Southwestern College? 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 McPherson College than Southwestern College ($27,110 vs. $29,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern College are 0.3% lower than at McPherson College ($11,465 vs. $11,498).
• Southwestern College is 6.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than McPherson College (about $2,512 more per year; $39,822.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Southwestern College than at McPherson College (about $2,512 more per year; $39,822.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College than at Southwestern College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern College students is 23.1% larger than aid received by McPherson College students ($28,936 vs. $23,513).

McPherson College vs. Southwestern College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McPherson College or Southwestern College? 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 Southwestern College and McPherson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McPherson College (1080) is 20 points higher than at Southwestern College (1060).
• Incoming McPherson College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Southwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200; Southwestern College 900/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Southwestern College 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Southwestern College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027; Southwestern College Aug 22, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McPherson College students have the same average high school GPA (3.33) as students at Southwestern College (3.33).
• McPherson College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Southwestern College (75.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 19.1% at Southwestern College.

McPherson College vs. Southwestern College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and Southwestern College? 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).

• Southwestern College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from Southwestern College earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than McPherson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,100 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwestern College graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($266 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwestern College students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 57%)

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.