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McPherson College vs Sterling College

McPherson College is a private college in McPherson, KS, and Sterling College is a private college in Sterling, KS. Sterling College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 77% at McPherson College. Sterling College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,371 a year against $26,441 at McPherson College. About 44% of students graduate at McPherson College, compared with 34% at Sterling College. Ten years after enrolling, McPherson College alumni earn a median of about $52,084, against $45,846 for Sterling College.

McPherson College

McPherson, KS · Private

Sterling College

Sterling, KS · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
McPherson, KS
Sterling, KS
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
872
538
Acceptance rate
77%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.3–4
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1200
938–1123
ACT (middle 50%)
18–23
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,441
$22,371
Full cost / yr
$50,611
$47,185
In-state tuition
$37,310
$33,700
Out-of-state tuition
$37,310
$33,700
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,587
$19,068
$30k - $48k
$20,939
$19,236
$48k - $75k
$28,655
$21,975
$75k - $110k
$28,737
$23,525
Over $110k
$31,043
$26,602
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
34%
Freshman retention
65%
50%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,446
$40,722
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,084
$45,846
Median debt at graduation
$25,242
$24,625
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
37%
First-generation students
31%
34%
International students
6%
11%
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 Sterling College harder to get into?
Sterling College is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 77% at McPherson College. 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 Sterling College?
Sterling College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,371 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 McPherson College and Sterling College?
Before aid, Sterling College costs about $47,185 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, McPherson College or Sterling College?
Sterling College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $19,068 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 Sterling College?
McPherson College is the larger of the two, with about 872 undergraduates against 538 at Sterling College.
Does McPherson College or Sterling College have a better graduation rate?
McPherson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 44% against 34% at Sterling College.
Do graduates of McPherson College or Sterling College earn more?
McPherson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,084 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,846 for Sterling College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do McPherson College and Sterling College require SAT or ACT scores?
McPherson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sterling College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do McPherson College and Sterling College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1200 at McPherson College and 938–1123 at Sterling College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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