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Kansas State University vs McPherson College

Kansas State University is a public university in Manhattan, KS, and McPherson College is a private college in McPherson, KS. McPherson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 82% at Kansas State University. Kansas State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,406 a year against $26,441 at McPherson College. About 71% of students graduate at Kansas State University, compared with 44% at McPherson College. Ten years after enrolling, Kansas State University alumni earn a median of about $57,262, against $52,084 for McPherson College.

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public

McPherson College

McPherson, KS · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Manhattan, KS
McPherson, KS
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,142
872
Acceptance rate
82%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1260
960–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
18–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,406
$26,441
Full cost / yr
$27,402
$50,611
In-state tuition
$11,221
$37,310
Out-of-state tuition
$28,568
$37,310
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,178
$22,587
$30k - $48k
$14,143
$20,939
$48k - $75k
$15,369
$28,655
$75k - $110k
$20,110
$28,737
Over $110k
$23,665
$31,043
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
44%
Freshman retention
86%
65%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,330
$41,446
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,262
$52,084
Median debt at graduation
$21,250
$25,242
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
38%
First-generation students
22%
31%
International students
2%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Kansas State University or McPherson College harder to get into?
McPherson College is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 82% at Kansas State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Kansas State University or McPherson College?
Kansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,406 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,441 at McPherson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Kansas State University and McPherson College?
Before aid, Kansas State University costs about $27,402 a year and McPherson College about $50,611. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Kansas State University or McPherson College?
Kansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,178 there, against about $22,587 at McPherson College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kansas State University or McPherson College?
Kansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 15,142 undergraduates against 872 at McPherson College.
Does Kansas State University or McPherson College have a better graduation rate?
Kansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 44% at McPherson College.
Do graduates of Kansas State University or McPherson College earn more?
Kansas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,262 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,084 for McPherson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kansas State University and McPherson College require SAT or ACT scores?
Kansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. McPherson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kansas State University and McPherson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1260 at Kansas State University and 960–1200 at McPherson College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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