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Kansas State University vs Southwestern College

Kansas State University is a public university in Manhattan, KS. Southwestern College is a private college in Winfield, KS. Southwestern College admits about 76% of applicants and Kansas State University about 82%, making Southwestern College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $19,406 a year at Kansas State University after aid, and about $29,824 at Southwestern College. About 71% of students graduate at Kansas State University, compared with 35% at Southwestern College. Ten years after enrolling, Kansas State University alumni earn a median of about $57,262, against $55,646 for Southwestern College.

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public

Southwestern College

Winfield, KS · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Manhattan, KS
Winfield, KS
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
15,142
924
Acceptance rate
82%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.35–3.85
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1260
900–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
17–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,406
$29,824
Full cost / yr
$27,402
$58,432
In-state tuition
$11,221
$39,822
Out-of-state tuition
$28,568
$39,822
Application fee
$40
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,178
$26,294
$30k - $48k
$14,143
$28,688
$48k - $75k
$15,369
$30,032
$75k - $110k
$20,110
$31,315
Over $110k
$23,665
$32,739
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
35%
Freshman retention
86%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,330
$48,034
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,262
$55,646
Median debt at graduation
$21,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
41%
First-generation students
22%
40%
International students
2%
2%
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 Southwestern College harder to get into?
Southwestern College is harder to get into. It admits about 76% 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 Southwestern College?
Kansas State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,406 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,824 at Southwestern 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 Southwestern College?
Before aid, Kansas State University costs about $27,402 a year and Southwestern College about $58,432. 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 Southwestern College?
Kansas State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,178 there, against about $26,294 at Southwestern 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 Southwestern College?
Kansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 15,142 undergraduates against 924 at Southwestern College.
Does Kansas State University or Southwestern College have a better graduation rate?
Kansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 35% at Southwestern College.
Do graduates of Kansas State University or Southwestern College earn more?
Kansas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,262 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,646 for Southwestern College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kansas State University and Southwestern College require SAT or ACT scores?
Kansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southwestern College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kansas State University and Southwestern College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1260 at Kansas State University and 900–1220 at Southwestern 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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