FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions
Academics
Student Life
Residence Life
Financial Aid/Expenses
Athletics
General Questions


Admissions

Q: What are your admissions requirements?
A: High school students/First-time Freshmen must provide a state-certified high school transcript or GED, corresponding standardized test scores and possess appropriate personal qualities. Specific criteria include:

1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 AND
2. A minimum ACT composite score of 18 OR
3. A minimum SAT combined score (Critical Reading & Math) of 860
Scores from the writing portions of either the ACT or SAT are not used for admission, however they may be used for evaluative purposes by faculty and student advisors.

Transfer students must have completed 12 hours of college-level coursework and received at least a 2.0 GPA in three areas of significant coursework (English, math, psychology, biology, chemistry, philosophy etc.). Remedial coursework does not count.

Q: When is your application deadline?
A: We have a rolling admissions program. To be in the best possible position to qualify for course selection, hall assignment and financial aid, students are encouraged to complete the application for admission prior to November 1 of the year preceding enrollment.

AUTO RESTORATION: Students must apply and submit a completed portfolio prior to December 1 of the year prior to their enrollment. Once they have been admitted to the college and accepted into the program they will gain entry into the program on a “first come, first served” basis as enrollment deposits are received. A completed portfolio includes:

  • Resume: Outline education, activities, honors, employment, service and leadership experience
  • Research Paper: (written in third person) Any topic related to restoration
       *at least three printed resources (not from the internet)
  • Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters should comment on potential as a college student by describing education and/or work background. References should demonstrate student’s strong candidacy for the Automotive Restoration Technology Program
  • Photo journal: Include pictures with descriptions of personal restoration projects and/or automotive work.

Q: What do you consider a complete application?
A: A complete application includes:

  1. Application for Admission
  2. An official copy of your HS transcript with a minimum of 6 semesters (JR yr) of work
  3. An official copy of your most recent College/University transcript
  4. ACT or SAT score report
    *Official copies of all HS and College/University transcripts will be required to complete your applicant folder.

Q: Are interviews, references or essays required for admission?
A: Not for general admission. However, students who do not meet the minimum admissions requirements, may appeal or be referred to the Enrollment Committee for consideration. Please contact your Admissions Counselor for more information.

Q: How will I know if I’ve been admitted?
A: Admission letters are mailed within 3-5 working days after receipt of your completed application.

 

Academics

Q: Is the College accredited?
A: Yes, McPherson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. We are also accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. For more information on our accreditation and memberships, please refer to our catalog.

Q: How many majors and what types of degrees are offered?
A: 20 majors, with over 40 emphases and 10 pre-professional programs. We offer either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts.

Q: Will the college accept AP or CLEP courses?
A: Yes, courses completed with a score of 3 or higher are accepted.

Q: How many hours are considered a full load?
A: 12-16 hours

Q: What is the student to faculty ratio?
A: 11:1

Q: How many full-time faculty are employed and how many hold doctorate degrees?
A: Approximately 40 full-time and 20 part-time faculty and about 65% hold a doctorate or terminal degree.

Q: What do you mean by “career-oriented” liberal arts?
A: We combine a challenging academic program with quality, hands-on experiences that prepare our students for life after McPherson College.

Q: Do you offer any study abroad programs?
A: Yes, whether it be an interterm service-learning trip, or a semester or year-long immersion experience through Brethren Colleges Abroad, our students have a world of opportunities.

 

Student Life

Q: Are students required to live on campus?
A: All full-time students are required to live on campus and participate in the college meal plan. Exceptions are those students who have dependents who live with them, are married or who are 23 years of age or older on the official fall enrollment date of the academic year.

Q: Can freshmen have cars on campus? Is there a parking permit?
A: Yes, freshmen may have cars on campus. Parking stickers are free of charge and are used for identification purposes only.

Q: What campus organizations emphasize religious activities?
A: Peacefully. Simply. Together. (PST), Chapel, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Habitat for Humanity

Q: What is the Church of the Brethren?
A: The church supports the teachings of the New Testament and promotes issues related to peace, volunteerism, and simple living. For more information visit: www.brethren.org

Q: Is there a job placement service or career day?
A: We emphasize career-oriented education. Internships can be incorporated into every program. There are also services to help students find work-study jobs on and off-campus as well as post-graduate employment opportunities.

Residence Life

Q: Are there co-ed residence halls?
A: Yes - Dotzour Hall

Q: Name the residence halls and briefly describe each?
A: Bittinger (Women’s Hall, 2 story, 24 rooms, 47 resident capacity)
Dotzour (Coed, 3 story, 79 rooms, 162 resident capacity)
Metzler (Men’s Hall, 3 story, 73 rooms, 141 resident capacity)
Morrison (Men’s Hall, 2 story, 24 rooms, 47 resident capacity)

Q: What appliances are permitted in a student’s room?
A: TV, VCR, stereo, computer, touch-tone phones, small refrigerator (3.0 cubic feet). No hot plates or microwaves.

Q: What amenities are available in the residence hall?
A: Rooms are equipped with single bed, desk, chair, dresser drawers, vanity, and free access to cable TV, local phone and internet.

Q: Do you have computer labs?
A: Yes, the campus has several computer labs located across campus. The hours of availability vary, but each residence hall has a 24 hour computer lab.

Q: Are students permitted to live off-campus?
A: We are a residential campus. Only those students who are 23 years of age or older, who are married or who have dependents are eligible to live off-campus.

Q: May students have private rooms?
A: Private rooms are available for an additional cost. Availability varies from year to year.

Q: Is there a curfew?
A: No. However, the residence halls are locked from 11:00pm until 11:00am for security reasons. Students’ room keys provide access to the outside doors.

 

Financial Aid and Expenses

Q: How much does it cost to attend McPherson College?
A: Total costs (tuition, fees, room and board) for 08-09 are $23,700. However, ninety-eight percent of students qualify for assistance from Federal, State or McPherson College financial aid programs.

Q: Do you have out-of-state tuition?
A: No, as a private institution, all of our students are charged the same tuition.

Q: How much are books?
A: Students should be prepared to pay approximately $350-400 a semester.

Q: What jobs are available on campus?
A: Student employment opportunities are available in our Library, Sports Center, Cafeteria, Maintenance, Residence Life and the Administrative Offices as well as several of our academic offices.

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: Every year our students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). PRIORITY DEADLINE IS MARCH 1.

Q: What types of financial assistance are available?
A: McPherson College participates in all of the Federal and State financial aid programs in addition to the institutional programs offered. For more information, see scholarships.

Q: What percentage of students receive some type of financial aid?
A: 99% For other stats about McPherson College click here: www.nces.ed.gov/IPEDS.

 

Athletics

Q: What athletic scholarships are available?
A: Athletic scholarships are available in every sport and are offered at the coaches’ discretion. Coaches submit recommendations for award to the financial aid office.

Q: In what athletic division/conference does McPherson compete?
A: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II and Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)

Q: What intercollegiate sports are offered?
A: Football, Volleyball, Softball, Basketball (men & women), Track/X-country (men & women), Soccer (men & women) and Tennis.

Q: Does the college have a cheerleading squad?
A: Yes, tryouts are held during the first few weeks of school.

Q: Does the college have intramurals?
A: Yes: flag-football, volleyball, basketball, softball, etc.

 

General Questions

Q: Where is McPherson College located?
A: The College is located in the city of McPherson, just one hour north of Wichita, KS on interstate 135 – (very near the center of the United States).

Q: How many students go to McPherson?
A: Approximately 480 full-time enrollment students. For other stats about McPherson College click here: www.nces.ed.gov/IPEDS.

Q: What is there to do in McPherson?
A: Bowling Alley, Movie Theatre, Shopping, Parks, Restaurants, etc.

Q: What is the size of the town of McPherson?
A: 13,000

Q: What is the percentage of minority students?
A: Approximately 20%.

Q: What is the percentage of Brethren students?
A: 17%

Q: Does the college have a security force?
A: No, however we do have a security guard who checks the doors at night and patrols the campus. Also see the US Campus Security Statistics site.

Q: Does the college provide overnight housing for prospective students?
A: No, students need to make their own accommodations. The following hotels are in close proximity to our campus:
Best Western: 1-800-528-1234
Red Coach Inn 1-800-362-0072
Best Value Inn 1-888-315-2378
Days Inn 1-800-329-7466

Q: Does the college have a toll free phone number?
A: Yes, 1-800-365-7402

 


To contact the Office of Admissions:

Toll-free: 1-800-365-7402
Locally: 620-242-0410
E-mail: admiss@mcpherson.edu

 



CONTACT
Admissions Counselor
admiss@mcpherson.edu



800.365.7402
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