McPherson College vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

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

Rockhurst University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (3,577 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Rockhurst University is in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Rockhurst University 12:1.

McPherson College vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst University than McPherson College ($25,787 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McPherson College are 3.5% lower than at Rockhurst University ($11,498 vs. $11,920).
• Rockhurst University is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than McPherson College (about $7,656 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Rockhurst than at McPherson College (about $7,656 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College as at Rockhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 47% larger than aid received by McPherson College students ($34,562 vs. $23,513).

McPherson College vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 100 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming Rockhurst 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: McPherson College 960/1200; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027; Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockhurst students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• McPherson College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

McPherson College vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from Rockhurst University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than McPherson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Rockhurst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McPherson College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 67%)

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.