Northwestern College vs. McPherson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern College in Orange City, IA with McPherson College in McPherson, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern College is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (1,705 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern College is located in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting); McPherson College is in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern College 15:1; McPherson College 16:1.

Northwestern College vs. McPherson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern College 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 Northwestern College than McPherson College ($26,347 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 5.2% lower than at McPherson College ($10,900 vs. $11,498).
• McPherson College is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $600 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at McPherson College than at Northwestern College (about $600 more per year; $37,310.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College as at McPherson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern College students is 0.1% larger than aid received by McPherson College students ($23,537 vs. $23,513).

Northwestern College vs. McPherson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern College 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 Northwestern College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern College (1090) is 10 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming Northwestern College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 940/1240; McPherson College 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern College 20/27; McPherson College 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern College - Test-free; McPherson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.2% at Northwestern College vs. 22.4% at McPherson College.

Northwestern College vs. McPherson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern College 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).

• Northwestern College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $908 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($25,092 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($259 vs. $268).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former McPherson College students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.