McMurry University: 56.5% Acceptance Rate

56.5%Acceptance

$31,372Tuition

1,108Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$48,779Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About McMurry University

McMurry University builds its reputation on small classes and Methodist values in west Texas. The university enrolls 1,108 students on its Abilene campus, creating an intimate environment where the 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. Students come for the liberal arts focus and the chance to develop close relationships with professors. The acceptance rate of 56.5% means competitive but accessible admissions for students with an average SAT of 1135.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $19,988 after aid, less than the sticker price of $31,372. However, graduates earn a median of $48,779 ten years after graduation while carrying $27,000 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and lower-income families.

Athletics play a central role in campus culture. The War Hawks field 16 Division III teams with 457 total athletes, meaning over 40% of students compete in varsity sports. The graduation rate of 38.6% lags behind national averages, though 96% of graduates find employment. Most students are Texans, with 97% coming from in-state.

Academics & Faculty

McMurry University operates as a small United Methodist liberal arts college where personal attention defines the academic experience. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide individualized mentoring. However, only 38% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or family obligations common at regional universities. The college emphasizes broad-based learning across disciplines rather than specialized research. Students typically pursue traditional liberal arts majors like business, education, and psychology. The intimate class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, but the relatively low graduation rate suggests academic support systems may need strengthening to help more students reach the finish line.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 37.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.6%
Retention Rate: 64.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,779
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$68,079
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$46,087
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$43,798
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,289
Marketing.	Bachelor	$36,134
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$34,603
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$26,353
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$21,964
Sociology.	Bachelor	$21,508

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Campus Life

The campus sits in west Texas where summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s and winters rarely see snow. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat. About half the 1,108 students live in residence halls that house 571 people total. The 53% male, 47% female split creates a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone.

Abilene offers typical college town amenities but feels removed from major metropolitan areas. Dallas sits about 180 miles east. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. Nearly 457 students participate in the War Hawks' 16 varsity sports programs, creating strong athletic culture despite competing at Division III level without athletic scholarships.

Weekend social life revolves around campus events, intramural sports, and the Methodist church community that founded the school in 1923. The 97% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly Texan atmosphere. Students often head to nearby Lake Fort Phantom Hill for outdoor activities or explore Abilene's downtown district for dining and entertainment.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 571 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1923

Campus Safety (2023)

11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	7	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–58°F
July Avg: 73°–96°F
Annual Precipitation: 25.2"
Annual Snowfall: 3.7"

Student Demographics

McMurry draws overwhelmingly from Texas, with 97% of students calling the state home. This reflects the university's deep Methodist roots and strong regional reputation in West Texas. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making education accessible to working-class families. The student body is diverse, with Hispanic students making up over one-third of enrollment and Black students representing 14%. Men slightly outnumber women at 53%, typical for smaller liberal arts colleges. The mix creates a close-knit community where students from different backgrounds connect through shared Methodist values and small-town college traditions.

Men: 53.1%
Women: 46.9%
White: 43.3%
Black: 14.3%
Hispanic: 34.6%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 96.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.9%

Location

McMurry University sits in Abilene, Texas, about 150 miles west of Dallas-Fort Worth. The city of 125,000 serves as a regional center for West Texas, anchored by three universities that give it a college town atmosphere despite its mid-size status. Abilene's location in the rolling plains offers wide-open skies and quintessential Texas landscapes. The 96.92% in-state enrollment reflects the university's deep Texas roots and regional appeal. Students appreciate the small-town feel while having access to cultural amenities like the Grace Museum and historic downtown district. The area experiences classic Texas weather with hot summers and mild winters. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare McMurry University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Abilene, Texas 79697

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,779
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,587
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 53.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at McMurry University?

McMurry University accepts 56.5% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040-1230 on the SAT, reflecting the United Methodist institution's commitment to serving a broad range of students in West Texas.

How much does McMurry University cost after financial aid?

Students at McMurry University pay an average net price of $19,988 annually after aid, less than the sticker price of $41,360. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides institutional grants averaging $23,537 to help make its liberal arts education accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at McMurry University?

McMurry University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,108 total students. This small Methodist university emphasizes personal attention and close mentoring relationships that are hallmarks of liberal arts colleges.

What are the graduation rates at McMurry University?

McMurry University graduates 38.6% of students within six years, with a four-year rate of 37.92%. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,779 ten years after enrollment, though the 64.6% retention rate suggests some students struggle with persistence at this small Texas institution.

Where do most McMurry University students come from?

Nearly 97% of McMurry University students are Texas residents, reflecting its strong regional draw in West Texas. The student body is 43.3% White, 34.6% Hispanic, and 14.3% Black, making it one of the more diverse small colleges in the state.

Does McMurry University offer athletic scholarships?

McMurry University offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 16 varsity sports and 457 total athletes. As an NCAA Division III member in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the War Hawks compete purely for the love of the game without athletic financial aid.