McPherson College

McPherson, KS

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

786

Total Students

$35K

Tuition (In-State)

$35K

Tuition (Out-State)

$25K

Avg Net Price

84%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Graduation Rate

6-year

65%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About McPherson College

Discover McPherson College: Home to world-class automotive restoration and a skyrocketing endowment.

McPherson College stands as a vibrant beacon of learning, uniquely blending its rich historical roots with forward-thinking academic programs. It is perhaps most renowned for its exceptional Automotive Restoration Technology program, a hands-on curriculum so distinguished it has earned the financial support and advisory board membership of figures like Jay Leno, providing students with unparalleled expertise and industry connections.

Established in 1888 by the Church of the Brethren, McPherson College quickly grew from its humble beginnings to become a pivotal educational institution for settlers moving westward. Its history is marked by innovation, including the remarkable synthesis of one of the world's earliest synthetic diamonds by J Willard Hershey on campus in 1926, showcasing a long-standing spirit of scientific inquiry and achievement.

Beyond its specialized programs, McPherson College is a charter member of Brethren Colleges Abroad, offering students global perspectives and international study opportunities. The college recently made headlines with a historic endowment increase, soaring to an astonishing $1.59 billion. This makes McPherson College one of the wealthiest small liberal arts colleges in the United States, promising a future brimming with enhanced resources, cutting-edge facilities, and expanded opportunities for an engaging and transformative student experience.

Key Highlights

✦Renowned Automotive Restoration Technology program, financially supported by Jay Leno since 1997.
✦One of the largest endowments among small liberal arts colleges in the U.S., totaling $1.59 billion.
✦Site of one of the world's earliest synthetic diamond syntheses in 1926 by J Willard Hershey.
✦Founded in 1888 by the Church of the Brethren to serve the educational needs of westward settlers.
✦Charter member of Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA) since 1962, offering international study opportunities.
✦Secured a transformative $500 million matching gift and an additional $500 million estate pledge from an anonymous donor in 2022-2023.

Timeline

1887

Church of the Brethren recognized the need for a college west of the Mississippi River.

1888

First academic semester opened with 60 students and seven faculty members.

1898

Sharp Hall completed and the school was officially christened McPherson College.

1926

J Willard Hershey synthesized one of the world's earliest synthetic diamonds on campus.

1962

Became a charter member of Brethren Colleges Abroad (BCA).

1976

Launched the Automotive Restoration Technology program with funds from Gaines H. "Smokey" Billue.

1997

Jay Leno began financial support for the Automotive Restoration Technology program.

2022

An anonymous donor promised a $500 million matching gift to the college.

2023

Endowment grew to $1.59 billion, following the successful completion of the matching gift and an additional $500 million estate pledge.

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