McPherson College vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

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

Washburn University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Washburn University 15:1.

McPherson College vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Washburn 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 Washburn University than McPherson College ($11,488 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McPherson College are 0% lower than at Washburn University ($11,498 vs. $11,501).
• McPherson College is 275.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $27,365 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.1% higher at McPherson College than at Washburn University (about $16,361 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College than at Washburn University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McPherson College students is 140.4% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($23,513 vs. $9,781).

McPherson College vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at McPherson College (3.33).

McPherson College vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and Washburn 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $9,100 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($16,900 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($174 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 49%)

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.