SCU vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, OK with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Nelson University is larger than SCU based on total student enrollment (1,794 students vs. 399 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwestern Christian University is located in Bethany, OK (Large Suburban setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Southwestern Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwestern Christian University 13:1; Nelson University 15:1.

SCU vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU 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 Southwestern Christian University than Nelson University ($20,528 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 5% lower than at Southwestern Christian University ($9,598 vs. $10,100).
• Nelson University is 14.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SCU (about $3,164 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $21,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.4% higher at Nelson University than at Southwestern Christian University (about $3,164 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $21,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwestern Christian University than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern Christian University students is 5.9% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($12,784 vs. $12,075).

SCU vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU 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 SCU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNelson University 890/1090.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Not reported; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman SCU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Nelson University (3.19).

SCU vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU 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 Southwestern Christian University's (28%).
• Graduates from Nelson University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than SCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,900 vs. $27,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than SCU graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCU graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCU students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 38%)

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.