McPherson College vs. SWU

Comparable Facts

Compare McPherson College in McPherson, KS with Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southern Wesleyan University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (980 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Southern Wesleyan University is in Central, SC (Distant Town setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Southern Wesleyan University 10:1.

McPherson College vs. SWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or SWU? 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 Southern Wesleyan University than McPherson College ($20,134 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 11.9% lower than at McPherson College ($10,126 vs. $11,498).
• McPherson College is 25.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWU (about $7,510 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.2% higher at McPherson College than at Southern Wesleyan University (about $7,510 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College as at Southern Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McPherson College students is 20.6% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($23,513 vs. $19,498).

McPherson College vs. SWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 50 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming SWU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200; Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Southern Wesleyan University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; SWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SWU students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 33.4% at SWU.

McPherson College vs. SWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and SWU? 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 Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $600 more per year than McPherson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, McPherson College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, McPherson College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.