MSU vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Midwestern State University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (5,324 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Midwestern State University is located in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Midwestern State University 18:1; Nelson University 15:1.

MSU vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU or Nelson 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 Midwestern State University than Nelson University ($11,215 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 13.7% lower than at Midwestern State University ($9,598 vs. $11,124).
• Nelson University is 136.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $14,484 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100% higher at Nelson University than at Midwestern State University (about $12,534 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Nelson University than at Midwestern State University (96% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Nelson University students is 9.4% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($12,075 vs. $11,037).

MSU vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU or Nelson 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 Nelson University and MSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midwestern State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Midwestern State University 910/1100; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU - Test-free; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman MSU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at MSU vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

MSU vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU and Nelson 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).

• Nelson University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Midwestern State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $3,951 lower median loan debt than Nelson University graduates ($22,299 vs. $26,250).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nelson University graduates ($230 vs. $271).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nelson University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 50%)

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.