College Costs in McPherson, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in McPherson, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$459
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
McPherson Overview
Population
13,155
Student Population
1,669 (12.7%)
Cost of Living Index
81.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for McPherson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,084
Total After Financial Aid
$96,084
Annual Cost
$24,021
Annual After Aid
$24,021
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,091 |
| Total Interest | $34,838 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,922 |
Universities in McPherson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| McPherson State University | Public | $9,006 |
| McPherson Community College | Community | $5,451 |
McPherson has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in McPherson vs. National Average
| Category | McPherson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $459 | $1,050 | -$591 |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.5 | 100 | -18.5 |
McPherson's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in McPherson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,669 students
McPherson has a total population of 13,155, with approximately 1,669 college students (12.7% of the population). McPherson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in McPherson
$41,081
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in McPherson earn a median starting salary of $41,081, which is $6,081 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,776 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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