Vanguard University of Southern California vs. McPherson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Vanguard University of Southern California in Costa Mesa, CA with McPherson College in McPherson, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vanguard University of Southern California is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (2,246 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vanguard University of Southern California is located in Costa Mesa, CA (Midsize City setting); McPherson College is in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vanguard University of Southern California 13:1; McPherson College 16:1.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. McPherson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vanguard University of Southern California 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 Vanguard University of Southern California than McPherson College ($23,286 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at McPherson College are 14.5% lower than at Vanguard University of Southern California ($11,498 vs. $13,450).
• Vanguard University of Southern California is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than McPherson College (about $4,390 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Vanguard University of Southern California than at McPherson College (about $4,390 more per year; $41,700.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Vanguard University of Southern California as at McPherson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vanguard University of Southern California students is 26.9% larger than aid received by McPherson College students ($29,847 vs. $23,513).

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. McPherson College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vanguard University of Southern California 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 Vanguard University of Southern California.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vanguard University of Southern California (1090) is 10 points higher than at McPherson College (1080).
• Incoming Vanguard University of Southern California students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanguard University of Southern California 980/1200; McPherson College 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vanguard University of Southern California 19/25; McPherson College 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vanguard University of Southern California - Test-free; McPherson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vanguard University of Southern California Aug 1, 2027; McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman McPherson College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Vanguard University of Southern California (3.31).
• McPherson College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Vanguard University of Southern California (62.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.7% at Vanguard University of Southern California vs. 22.4% at McPherson College.

Vanguard University of Southern California vs. McPherson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vanguard University of Southern California 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).

• Vanguard University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Vanguard University of Southern California graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanguard University of Southern California graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Vanguard University of Southern California graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Vanguard University of Southern California students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 64%)

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.