KU vs. McPherson College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); McPherson College is in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; McPherson College 16:1.

KU vs. McPherson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or McPherson 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 University of Kansas than McPherson College ($19,205 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 1.2% lower than at McPherson College ($11,358 vs. $11,498).
• McPherson College is 208.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than KU (about $25,208 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $12,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at McPherson College than at University of Kansas (about $6,878 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $30,432.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College than at University of Kansas (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McPherson College students is 103.7% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($23,513 vs. $11,541).

KU vs. McPherson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 110 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming KU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; McPherson College 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; McPherson College 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; McPherson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 22.4% at McPherson College.

KU vs. McPherson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and McPherson 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).

• University of Kansas's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than McPherson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 66%)

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.