McPherson College vs. Southwestern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare McPherson College in McPherson, KS with Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

McPherson College is larger than Southwestern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (878 students vs. 764 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• McPherson College is located in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting); Southwestern Adventist University is in Keene, TX (Distant Town setting).
• McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: McPherson College 16:1; Southwestern Adventist University 12:1.

McPherson College vs. Southwestern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, McPherson College or Southwestern Adventist 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 Adventist University than McPherson College ($20,466 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Adventist University are 18.2% lower than at McPherson College ($9,400 vs. $11,498).
• McPherson College is 47% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwestern Adventist University (about $11,930 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $25,380.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47% higher at McPherson College than at Southwestern Adventist University (about $11,930 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $25,380.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at McPherson College as at Southwestern Adventist University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by McPherson College students is 55.4% larger than aid received by Southwestern Adventist University students ($23,513 vs. $15,126).

McPherson College vs. Southwestern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, McPherson College or Southwestern Adventist 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 Southwestern Adventist University and McPherson College.

• Southwestern Adventist University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McPherson College (1080) is 20 points higher than at Southwestern Adventist University (1060).
• Incoming Southwestern Adventist University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 960/1200; Southwestern Adventist University 910/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: McPherson College 18/23; Southwestern Adventist University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: McPherson College - Test optional; Southwestern Adventist University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027; Southwestern Adventist University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McPherson College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Southwestern Adventist University (3.3).
• Southwestern Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at McPherson College vs. 20.7% at Southwestern Adventist University.

McPherson College vs. Southwestern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for McPherson College and Southwestern Adventist 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).

• McPherson College's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Southwestern Adventist University's (38%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Southwestern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern Adventist University and McPherson College graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Southwestern Adventist University and McPherson College graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwestern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 49%)

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.