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McPherson College vs Ottawa University-Ottawa

McPherson College is a private college in McPherson, KS, and Ottawa University-Ottawa is a private university in Ottawa, KS. McPherson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 83% at Ottawa University-Ottawa. McPherson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $26,441 a year against $27,963 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. About 44% of students graduate at McPherson College, compared with 28% at Ottawa University-Ottawa. Ten years after enrolling, Ottawa University-Ottawa alumni earn a median of about $55,552, against $52,084 for McPherson College.

McPherson College

McPherson, KS · Private

Ottawa University-Ottawa

Ottawa, KS · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
McPherson, KS
Ottawa, KS
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
872
870
Acceptance rate
77%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
750–1000
ACT (middle 50%)
18–23
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,441
$27,963
Full cost / yr
$50,611
$51,856
In-state tuition
$37,310
$35,880
Out-of-state tuition
$37,310
$35,880
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,587
$22,449
$30k - $48k
$20,939
$22,912
$48k - $75k
$28,655
$25,525
$75k - $110k
$28,737
$30,199
Over $110k
$31,043
$30,771
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
28%
Freshman retention
65%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,446
$49,139
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,084
$55,552
Median debt at graduation
$25,242
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
37%
First-generation students
31%
40%
International students
6%
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 McPherson College or Ottawa University-Ottawa harder to get into?
McPherson College is harder to get into. It admits about 77% of applicants, compared with 83% at Ottawa University-Ottawa. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, McPherson College or Ottawa University-Ottawa?
McPherson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $26,441 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,963 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. 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 McPherson College and Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Before aid, McPherson College costs about $50,611 a year and Ottawa University-Ottawa about $51,856. 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, McPherson College or Ottawa University-Ottawa?
Ottawa University-Ottawa. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,449 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, McPherson College or Ottawa University-Ottawa?
McPherson College is the larger of the two, with about 872 undergraduates against 870 at Ottawa University-Ottawa.
Does McPherson College or Ottawa University-Ottawa have a better graduation rate?
McPherson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 44% against 28% at Ottawa University-Ottawa.
Do graduates of McPherson College or Ottawa University-Ottawa earn more?
Ottawa University-Ottawa alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,552 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,084 for McPherson College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do McPherson College and Ottawa University-Ottawa require SAT or ACT scores?
McPherson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Ottawa University-Ottawa considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do McPherson College and Ottawa University-Ottawa look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at McPherson College and 750–1000 at Ottawa University-Ottawa. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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