About Central Christian College of Kansas
Central Christian College of Kansas draws students seeking a tight-knit Free Methodist community in small-town Kansas. The college enrolls just 394 students in McPherson, a remote town setting that fosters close relationships. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. Founded in 1884, the college has maintained its mission of combining faith with education for nearly 140 years. The Tigers compete in NAIA athletics across 12 varsity sports, with 254 student-athletes receiving over $4.3 million in athletic scholarships.
The financial picture tells a complex story about affordability and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $12,473 after aid, below the $21,000 sticker price. However, the 23% six-year graduation rate raises concerns about degree completion. Graduates who do finish earn a median of $44,468 ten years out, carrying typical debt of $27,000 with monthly payments of $286. For families earning under $48,000, net costs drop below $10,000 annually.
The student body reflects growing diversity, with only 48% identifying as white and 24% Hispanic. Nearly a quarter of students come from out-of-state, unusual for a small Kansas college. The 59% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adapt to the rural campus environment.
The financial picture tells a complex story about affordability and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $12,473 after aid, below the $21,000 sticker price. However, the 23% six-year graduation rate raises concerns about degree completion. Graduates who do finish earn a median of $44,468 ten years out, carrying typical debt of $27,000 with monthly payments of $286. For families earning under $48,000, net costs drop below $10,000 annually.
The student body reflects growing diversity, with only 48% identifying as white and 24% Hispanic. Nearly a quarter of students come from out-of-state, unusual for a small Kansas college. The 59% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adapt to the rural campus environment.
Academics & Faculty
Central Christian College focuses on Christian liberal arts education with strong ties to the Free Methodist tradition. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know every student personally. However, only 26% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the college's open-access mission that welcomes students who need extra academic support. The school emphasizes practical ministry preparation, teacher education, and business programs. Students often pursue dual majors combining their career interests with Christian studies. Faculty integrate faith perspectives across all disciplines, from science labs to literature discussions. The small size means students can't hide in the back row, but also ensures they receive individualized attention throughout their academic journey.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 21.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 23.0%
- Retention Rate
- 59.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,468
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,669 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $31,941 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $21,234 |
Campus Life
McPherson sits 60 miles north of Wichita in central Kansas farm country. You'll need a heavy winter coat for January temperatures that drop below freezing and light layers for humid summers reaching the 90s. About 70% of the 394 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community where most students know each other by name.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your birthday and track your progress personally. With 254 athletes competing in 12 NAIA sports, game days dominate weekend social calendars on this compact campus. Free Methodist values shape daily chapel services and community service requirements. Students often gather in residence halls for movie nights or drive 20 minutes to Hutchinson for shopping and restaurants. The 52% male, 48% female split reflects the school's focus on athletics and ministry preparation. Greek life doesn't exist here. Instead, spiritual growth groups and intramural competitions provide the main social outlets beyond varsity sports.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your birthday and track your progress personally. With 254 athletes competing in 12 NAIA sports, game days dominate weekend social calendars on this compact campus. Free Methodist values shape daily chapel services and community service requirements. Students often gather in residence halls for movie nights or drive 20 minutes to Hutchinson for shopping and restaurants. The 52% male, 48% female split reflects the school's focus on athletics and ministry preparation. Greek life doesn't exist here. Instead, spiritual growth groups and intramural competitions provide the main social outlets beyond varsity sports.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 274 beds
- Calendar System
- Other
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1884
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–41°F
- July Avg
- 67°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -761.2"
Student Demographics
Central Christian draws students from across the country, with three-quarters coming from outside Kansas. The Free Methodist college serves a economically diverse community, with nearly half of students receiving Pell Grants. The student body reflects America's changing demographics, creating a multicultural campus where white students make up less than half the enrollment. Men slightly outnumber women, typical for smaller Christian colleges that emphasize practical ministry training alongside traditional liberal arts. This mix of geographic, economic, and ethnic diversity aligns with the school's mission to prepare servant leaders for global ministry.
- Men
- 52.8%
- Women
- 47.2%
- White
- 47.7%
- Black
- 12.9%
- Hispanic
- 24.1%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 23.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.1%
Location
Central Christian College sits in McPherson, Kansas, a town of about 13,000 residents located 60 miles north of Wichita. The campus draws students from across the country, with only 23% coming from Kansas. McPherson operates as a classic small college town in the heart of the Great Plains, surrounded by wheat fields and farmland that stretches to the horizon. The town centers around the college and a few local industries, creating a tight-knit community where students quickly become familiar faces. The nearest major airport and urban amenities require the hour-long drive to Wichita. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Central Christian College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- McPherson, Kansas 67460-5740
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,468
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,382
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Central Christian College of Kansas?
Central Christian College serves 394 students with a 59.46% retention rate, suggesting moderately selective admissions. This Free Methodist institution focuses on small class sizes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention.
How much does Central Christian College of Kansas cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $12,473, making it affordable despite a $21,000 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,369 on average, while 43.11% receive Pell Grants.
What academic programs is Central Christian College of Kansas known for?
The college maintains small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio for individualized learning. As a Christian institution founded in 1884, it emphasizes faith-based education alongside traditional liberal arts programs.
What are the graduation rates at Central Christian College of Kansas?
The four-year graduation rate is 26.40%, while the six-year rate reaches 23.00%. Graduates earn a median of $44,468 ten years after graduation, with 90.4% finding employment.
Where is Central Christian College of Kansas located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in McPherson, Kansas, a remote town setting with housing for 274 students. About 52.79% of students are male, and the college fields 12 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level.
Does Central Christian College of Kansas offer athletic scholarships?
The college awards $4,320,854 in athletic scholarships across 12 varsity sports programs. With 254 total athletes, nearly two-thirds of the 394-student body participates in Tigers athletics at the NAIA level.
