Southwestern College: 70.2% Acceptance Rate

70.2%Acceptance

$38,480Tuition

1,026Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,646Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Southwestern College

Southwestern College draws serious musicians to its acclaimed conservatory programs in rural Winfield, Kansas. The Methodist-affiliated liberal arts school enrolls 1,026 students who benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. This small college has built a reputation for fostering tight-knit relationships between professors and students in its intimate campus setting.

Students pay an average net price of $27,310 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,646 ten years after graduation, which helps explain the modest median debt load of $25,000. The loan repayment rate of 56.87% suggests many alumni manage their debt successfully, with monthly payments averaging $265.

Athletics dominate campus life with 484 student-athletes competing across 17 varsity sports. Men outnumber women at 66.47% to 33.53%, reflecting the school's strong athletic programs. The diverse student body draws from across the country, with only 31.42% coming from Kansas. However, the 33.50% six-year graduation rate and 53.06% retention rate indicate many students struggle to complete their degrees, making this college best suited for self-motivated learners who thrive in small, rural environments.

Academics & Faculty

Southwestern College operates as a Methodist-affiliated liberal arts institution with particularly strong music programs that draw students from across the region. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. However, the 33.5% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite the personalized attention. The college's liberal arts focus means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, though this broad approach doesn't always translate to timely graduation. Music students benefit from robust performance opportunities and close mentoring relationships. The small class sizes foster discussion-based learning, but academic rigor varies across departments.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 36.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.5%
Retention Rate: 53.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,646
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

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Campus Life

Winfield sits 45 miles southeast of Wichita in rural Kansas, where winters demand heavy coats and summers bring sweltering heat. With housing capacity for 630 students and total enrollment of 1,026, about 60% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Men outnumber women at 66% to 34%, creating a male-dominated campus culture. With 484 total athletes across 17 varsity sports and over $4.5 million in athletic scholarships, sports dominate weekend social life. The Methodist affiliation brings a faith-centered atmosphere without being overwhelming. Students often gather for intramural games, campus ministry events, or trips to nearby Wichita for shopping and dining. The music program draws talented performers who regularly showcase their skills in campus concerts. Small-town Kansas means everyone knows everyone, and the 53% retention rate reflects that this close community atmosphere either clicks immediately or doesn't suit students looking for anonymity.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 630 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Burglary	3	1	1
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–44°F
July Avg: 70°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 75.7"
Annual Snowfall: -767.1"

Student Demographics

Southwestern College draws a diverse student body that reflects its Methodist mission of accessibility and opportunity. Two-thirds of students are men, largely due to the school's strong athletics program fielding 17 varsity sports. Most students come from outside Kansas, suggesting the college's reputation extends beyond state borders despite its small-town setting. The student body includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, indicating the Methodist commitment to serving students from working-class families who might not otherwise attend college.

Men: 66.5%
Women: 33.5%
White: 42.6%
Black: 18.1%
Hispanic: 15.1%
Asian: 2.4%
In-State Students: 31.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.5%

Location

Winfield sits in south-central Kansas, about 45 minutes from Wichita and two hours from Kansas City. The town has roughly 12,000 residents and maintains a classic small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and local businesses. Southwestern's campus becomes a focal point for community events, especially during music performances that draw audiences from across the region. The college's 630-bed housing capacity serves students who come primarily from out of state, with 68.58% traveling from beyond Kansas borders. The rural Kansas setting offers wide open spaces and affordable living, though entertainment options remain limited compared to larger college towns. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Southwestern College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Winfield, Kansas 67156-2499

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,646
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,681
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southwestern College?

Southwestern College accepts 70% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts school. The average SAT score is 1060, with students typically scoring between 900 and 1220. This Methodist-affiliated college draws students who value its strong music programs and small-town atmosphere.

How much does Southwestern College cost after financial aid?

Students at Southwestern College pay an average net price of $27,310 after financial aid, despite a sticker price of $38,480 for tuition. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. Graduates typically leave with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwestern College?

Southwestern College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its 1,026 enrolled students. However, the school struggles with retention, keeping only 53% of students from freshman to sophomore year. The college operates on a semester calendar system and offers personalized attention typical of small liberal arts institutions.

What are the graduation rates at Southwestern College?

Only 34% of students graduate from Southwestern College within six years, with a four-year graduation rate of 36%. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median salary of $55,646 ten years after starting college. The employment rate reaches 90%, suggesting those who complete their degrees find work successfully.

Where is Southwestern College located and what is campus life like?

Southwestern College sits in Winfield, Kansas, a small town setting that houses 630 students in campus residence halls. The student body is 66% male and draws from across the country, with only 31% of students coming from Kansas. This United Methodist college creates a close-knit community atmosphere in rural Kansas.

Does Southwestern College have strong athletics programs?

Southwestern College fields 17 varsity sports teams competing at the NJCAA level with 484 total athletes. The school invests heavily in athletics, awarding $4.5 million in athletic scholarships annually. Nearly half the student body participates in varsity sports, making athletics a central part of campus culture at this small Kansas college.