Financial Aid Process

Over 99 percent of McPherson College students receive financial assistance each year from McPherson College scholarships and awards, federal and state programs, work-study programs, and educational loans.

McPherson College has a financial aid awarding policy that considers a variety of factors including academic achievement, participation in co-curricular activities, and financial need. The college’s goal is to award enough financial assistance to provide incentive, recognition, and access.

Financial Aid Application Process

To be considered for and receive financial aid, students should take the following steps:

  • Submit their Application for Admission and academic transcripts to McPherson College. Students must be admitted to McPherson College in order to be considered for aid.
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). McPherson College’s priority deadline for FAFSA submissions is March 1 each year. McPherson College’s federal school code is 001933.
  • Review their Student Aid Report (SAR) and submit verification documentation to the Financial Aid Office. Students whose Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is selected by the Department of Education for verification must complete the Verification Worksheet (Dependent, Independent) and submit official tax transcripts from the IRS for the student and/or parents/spouse. If supporting schedules are required, the college will ask for them separately.
  • Await receipt of their Financial Aid Award Notice, which the college prepares and mails/emails, usually within 3–5 working days after their financial aid record is complete.
  • Follow the instructions enclosed with the Financial Aid Award Notice by the date indicated to acknowledge acceptance of awards.
  • Complete the required application/promissory note if taking advantage of student loan opportunities.
  • Complete entrance interview if borrowing direct loans.

Financial Aid Calendar

October 1 – Application process begins. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
November 1 – Financial aid award notification begins for admitted students.
March 1 – Priority deadline for financial aid. Offers of aid after this date will be extended only as funds remain available.
April 1 – FAFSA submission deadline for Kansas Comprehensive Grant.

Scholarships and Awards

Every student meeting McPherson College’s admission standards who is enrolled full time is eligible for a Merit Award. In addition to the Merit Award, qualifying students may receive additional scholarship assistance based on academic achievement, co-curricular participation, demographic characteristics, leadership qualities, and major areas of interest. A financial aid calculator and detailed information about institutional awards and scholarships are available at https://www.mcpherson.edu/admissions/scholarships/

Endowed Scholarship Funds

The endowed scholarships and loan funds listed below have been established through personal generosity and a desire on the part of the donors to assist future generations of students in attending McPherson College. The college is grateful for these endowed gifts, which provide a permanent expression of love and support for the college and for the students who will benefit from this kindness. These gifts fund the existing McPherson College Scholarship and Grant Program.

Unrestricted Endowed Scholarship Fund with no specifics for awarding:

  • Walter E. Beery Scholarship Fund
  • Virgil Meyers Berkebile Scholarship
  • Earl Bowman Scholarship Fund
  • R.S. Christensen Endowment Scholarship Fund
  • Earl E. Curtis Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Samuel L. Elrod Scholarship Fund
  • Esther Eslinger Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Leland and Pauline Flory Endowment Scholarship Fund
  • Oscar C. Frantz & Flora Gish Frantz Scholarship
  • Roy O. Frantz Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Harry H. and Marguerite Gilbert Memorial Endowment Scholarship
  • Raenell Hall Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Ira M. Hoover Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Helen Jacobs Memorial Scholarship
  • Ralph F. Johnson & Irene Ramey Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Edith Keller Scholarship Fund
  • John Giolin Pearson Scholarship
  • Ralph H. Rindt Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Scott Robinson Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Ray Simmons Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Stucky Scholarship Fund
  • Dr. Galen M. Tice & Ruth Kilmer Tice Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Robert George Wolfe Memorial Scholarship
  • Worthington Church Scholarship Fund
  • Una Yoder Memorial Scholarship

Restricted Endowed Scholarships

  • African-American: Harrison African-American Academic Scholarship
  • Alumni Legacy Scholarshipfor children and grandchildren of alumni
  • Andes: John and Elrae Andes Performing Arts Scholarship—for performing arts &/or music majors
  • Appel Family Scholarshipsupports student with need in an internship experience
  • Austin: Charles & John Austin Memorial Scholarship Fund—no restrictions
  • Austin: Glen D. Austin Scholarship—western Colorado residents
  • Barrett-Jackson Auction Co.: Brian Jackson Scholarship—auto restoration students with financial need; 3.0 GPA
  • Barrett-Jackson Auction Co.: Russ Jackson Scholarship—auto restoration students with financial need; 3.0 GPA
  • Beam: Royce & Phyllis Bowman Beam Scholarship in Vocal Music—student(s) enrolled in Performing Arts with preference to vocal music students
  • Beech: Olive Ann Beech Scholarship—Wichita, Kansas residents
  • Beeghly: Milford & Dorothy Graham Beeghly Scholarship—Iowa or Northern Plains District Church of the Brethren; display leadership qualities
  • Bell: Pauline L. Bell Memorial Scholarship—junior or senior students majoring in music education or music
  • Bittinger: Desmond & Irene Bittinger Scholarship—institution acceptable academic standing
  • Bowman: J.L. & Elva Bowman Scholarship—science majors
  • Brammell: Ira N.H. & Freda E. Brammell Scholarship—excellent leadership ability
  • Breon: Earl & Margaret Breon Scholarship—financial need
  • Breon: Phil & Clara Breon Scholarship—financial need
  • Brown: Elizabeth & Ed Brown & Classic Thunderbird Club of S. Florida Scholarship—2nd-, 3rd-, or 4th-year auto restoration students
  • Brown: Larry Brown Scholarship—student athletes majoring in physical education
  • Brubaker: Earl Brubaker Scholarship—financial need
  • Butler: Edward R. & Judith Brammell Butler Student Leadership Scholarship—students who demonstrate leadership potential in student services
  • Campbell: David V. Campbell Scholarship—orphaned, handicapped, and underprivileged students
  • Casebeer: John & George Casebeer Scholarship—financial need
  • Cassler: Winston Cassler Scholarship—students studying music
  • Chisholm: Will Edwin & Olive M. Chisholm Scholarship—no restrictions
  • Class of 1953 Scholarship— freshman student with financial need
  • Class of 1967 Scholarship**—full-time student in any academic program; minimum GPA; financial need
  • Class of 1968 Scholarship—full-time student in any academic program; minimum GPA; financial need
  • Cobb: Redell & Barbara Cobb Scholarship—former students of Canton-Galva High School; 3.0 GPA
  • Coppock: X.L. & Martha Coppock Scholarship **—financial need
  • Crago Family Scholarshipfinancial need; exchange student; minimum GPA or students(s) pursuing math, science or business major
  • Dalke: Elmer O. & Velma L. Dalke Scholarship—financial need
  • Darby: Edith & Harry Darby Foundation Scholarship— juniors and seniors; minimum GPA
  • DeCoursey: Wesley & Verda DeCoursey Scholarship in Chemistry—full-time student majoring in chemistry; minimum GPA; without regard for financial need
  • Dell: Lois E. Dell Scholarship Fund for Women—women who have been absent from a college campus; business majors
  • Dennison: Nora Dennison Scholarship—financial need
  • Detrick: Herbert & Lula Detrick Scholarship— financial need
  • Dodson: Susan Wheeler Dodson Scholarship—visual arts major; minimum GPA; without regard for financial need
  • Doman: David T. Doman/Franklin Club Scholarship – freshmen or sophomore auto restoration major; priority to student with H.H. Franklin Club membership
  • Dotzour: Royer & Edna Dotzour Scholarship—freshman male & female; Kingman County (KS) high school graduates; preference to Norwich High School
  • Duesenberg: Fred Duesenberg Scholarship—auto restoration student
  • Eisenbise: Bernette Eisenbise Scholarship—sophomore, junior, or senior teacher education major
  • Elliott Family Scholarshipfinancial need
  • Evans: Franklin Evans & Roberta Brown Evans Scholarship—sophomores, juniors, seniors; minimum GPA; leadership/campus involvement
  • F & J Foundation Scholarshipauto restoration student
  • Fasnacht: Everett M. & Joy C. Fasnacht Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members seeking career in church service, peace studies, conflict resolution
  • Fike: Duane & Ruthita Fike Scholarship **—no restrictions
  • Flory: Glen & Esther Flory Family Scholarship—financial need
  • Forror: Elizabeth Wagoner Forror & Jo Wagoner Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members or student seeking service-oriented career in health services or dependents of missionary workers
  • Forsyth/Switzer: Lyle & Florence Forsyth & Merl & Ola Switzer Scholarship – financial need
  • Frankenbery/Werner Family Scholarship—financial need; student(s) in natural science and education; minimum GPA
  • Frantz: Earl & Lela Frantz Scholarship —Church of the Brethren members; financial need
  • Frantz: Edward R. & Virginia L. Frantz Scholarship – students pursuing interest in Entrepreneurship and/or athletics; enrolled full-time; financial need
  • Frantz: Merlin & ImoJean Sheller Frantz Scholarship—financial need
  • Fries: Ramona R. Fries & Arthur H. Fries Scholarship—academic merit; financial need
  • Geisert: Fred J. & Martha E. Geisert Scholarship—Dickinson County (KS) high school graduate or resident; preference to New Basel United Church of Christ, Abilene, KS, members/children
  • Gish: Warren & Luella Gish Scholarship—no restrictions
  • Glaser: Adelaide Glaser Scholarship—sophomores, juniors, seniors; Kansas resident; B average; financial need; good leadership qualities
  • Global Studies Endowed Fundno restrictions
  • Goering: Raymond “Dutch” & Dorothy L. Goering Scholarship—financial need
  • Greim: Mary Roop Greim Scholarship—Missouri residents
  • Groff: Forrest & Della Groff Scholarship—Church of the Brethren/Groff family members; minimum GPA
  • Grossnickle: J. Edgar & Willa Grossnickle Scholarship—Iowa Church of the Brethren members, COB students from Iowa, or students from Iowa; preference given to COB students
  • Grover: Mable Beyer Grover Scholarship—financial need
  • Haas: William W. Haas Scholarship—Dickinson County (KS) high school graduates
  • Hall: Henry & Nellie Krebbs Hall Scholarship—financial need
  • Harden: Len & Stella Harden & Joyce Harden Brown Scholarship—juniors & seniors; science, math, pre-med majors
  • Hart: Dorothy Bryant Hart Scholarship—financial need
  • Hatcher: Eugenia D. Hatcher Scholarship—female students
  • Hatfield: Verlin L. & Florence M. Hatfield Scholarship—resident students; financial need
  • Haury: Kenneth Haury Scholarship—business or accounting majors
  • Hershey: Dr. J. Willard Hershey Scholarship—juniors & seniors; science majors
  • Hess: Dick & Beverly Hess Fine Arts Fund—fine arts students; leadership/service ability; financial need
  • Hess: Dick & Beverly Hess Science Fund—science students who have demonstrated talent; financial need
  • Hess: Lou Ann (Dyck) Hess Fine Arts Fund—music students; other fine arts students; financial need
  • Hess: Lou Ann (Dyck) Hess Science Fund—biology students; other science students; financial need
  • Hewitt: Sharon & David Hewitt Scholarship—JR/SR students interested in auto or motorcycle restoration
  • Hoerner: Della Hoerner Scholarship—students seeking career in nursing, medicine, medical technology
  • Hofen: Phillip J. Hofen Scholarship—Iowa residents; financial need
  • Hoffman: Paul & Joanna Hoffman Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members (US)
  • Hoffman: Samuel Hoffman Scholarship**—financial need; high achievement
  • Holden Family Scholarshipstudent enrolled in automotive restoration program; financial need; show interest in restoration and preservation of vehicles or vintage cars of historic importance
  • Holl: Dennis A. Holl Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members; students with Brethren Volunteer Service experience; financial need
  • Hornbaker: Royal & Norma Hornbaker Scholarship—financial need
  • Ikenberry: Alta Gross Ikenberry Scholarship—freshman Idaho or Kansas resident, female athletes or pursuing career in education, pre-med or pre-dental
  • Ikenberry: Ernest & Olivia Ikenberry Scholarship**— financial need and good academic standing
  • Ingalls: Grace Vaniman Ingalls & Roscoe Ingalls Scholarship—financial need and good academic standing
  • Insurance Management Association Scholarshipbusiness majors; financial need
  • Jewell: J. Paul & Fern Watkins Jewell Scholarship – full-time business and economics major; preference to 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year students; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Johnson: Daniel Palmer Johnson Scholarship—students majoring in math or science
  • Keim: Howard Keim & Winifred O’Connor-Keim Scholarship—women who will have achieved 23rd birthday prior to award; financial need
  • Kindig: Ethel Ward Kindig Scholarship—Nebraska residents; students interested in Christian ministry or service; financial need; good academic standing
  • Kinzie Foundation Scholarshipjuniors or seniors; Church of the Brethren members; financial need
  • Kough: John K. & Arlene Flory Kough Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, North Dakota, Texas, and Montana
  • Kreider: Roy Levi Kreider Scholarship—financial need
  • Kuhn: Walter & Ruby Kuhn Scholarship—business, computer science, auto restoration majors
  • Lee: William & Mary Lee Scholarship—financial need
  • Lehman: Harry & Minnie Lehman Scholarship—financial need
  • Lehman: Harvey & Ruth Kurtz Lehman Scholarship—financial need
  • Lehman: Henry L. Lehman & Anna Burkholder Lehman Scholarship—demonstrated academic and leadership ability; financial need
  • Lengel: Leland L. Lengel Scholarship in History—sophomores, juniors, seniors; top history majors in each class; minimum GPA
  • Lichty: Henry Lichty Lovett, Dorothy Lichty Vogel, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn A. Lichty, Lucile Lichty West Scholarship—financial need; students from Northeast quarter of Kansas
  • Lingenfelter: The Fern Lingenfelter Artist Series and the Fern Lingenfelter Scholarship of Music—full-time student majoring in music; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Long: V. Allen Long Scholarship—physical or natural science major and good academic standing
  • Marchand: F.E. & Cora A. Marchand Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members; financial need
  • Martin: Alice B. Martin Scholarship—financial need
  • Martin: Martha Cecile Martin Endowed Scholarship—teacher education student; McPherson County origin; financial need
  • Maune: Louie Maune Scholarship—financial need
  • McCluggage: The Denise McCluggage Scholarship—female student demonstrating passions in the fields of auto restoration, journalism, photography, communication, media arts, and/or writing; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • McDaneld: Wallace & Nellie Wagner McDaneld Scholarship—Kansas residents; interested in Christian ministry or service; financial need
  • McGhee: Grace Brunk McGhee Scholarship— financial need
  • McGonigle: Josephine Shirar McGonigle Scholarship—financial need
  • McHugh: Ellen McHugh Scholarship— financial need
  • McIlwaine: Delia Chavez McIlwaine Scholarship—music education major
  • McSpadden: Dwight McSpadden Scholarship—student athletes
  • Meguiar Family Scholarship in Automobile Restoration—auto restorations students
  • Melhorn: J. Mark & Katherine J. Ramsey Melhorn Scholarship—McPherson County student participating in at least one athletic program and intention to major in science field
  • Merkey: Samuel R. Merkey Scholarship—financial need
  • Metzler: Burton & Mabel Metzler Scholarship—financial need
  • Metzler: David & Doris Metzler Scholarship **—full-time student preparing for the ministry or Christian service or PreK-12 classroom teaching
  • Miller: Delma Miller Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members
  • Miller: Oscar & Vida Miller Scholarship— financial need
  • Mingenback: Mary Mingenback Scholarship—art or music students; financial need
  • Moats/Neher: Edgar & Marie Moats/Roy & Wava Neher/Edna Neher Scholarship—preference to Ivester (Grundy Center, IA) and Osage (McKune, KS) Church of the Brethren members
  • Moore: Alma Anderson Moore Scholarship—speech/theatre students
  • Morrison: Milton & Rebecca Morrison Scholarship—financial need
  • Moyers: David W. & Florence Smith Moyers Scholarship—Church of the Brethren members who demonstrate church leadership potential
  • Mugler: Carrie Mugler Scholarship—financial need
  • Murrey: Chester & Pearl Crumpacker Murrey Scholarship—freshmen, first-year transfer; financial need
  • Myers: Phil & Jean Myers Scholarship—priority consideration given to students who, due to unique opportunities, crisis situations, or extraordinary accomplishments and/or contributions to their community in the face of difficulties, deserve recognition and encouragement to complete their education; minimum 3.0 GPA; financial need
  • Negley Family ScholarshipChurch of the Brethren members; financial need
  • Nichols: Connie Nichols /Ethel McClure Scholarship—interior design or art majors; participate in at least one extra-curricular or volunteer activity on campus or in McPherson
  • Nonken: Ray Nonken Scholarship—Kansas residents who reside in a rural area; athletes; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Nordling: Barbara & Bernard Nordling /Leland E. Nordling Family ScholarshipKansas residents west of Highway 81, excluding Sedgwick County; academic achievement
  • Noyes: Pat Noyes Men’s Basketball Scholarship—juniors and seniors in previous year; exemplify character of Pat Noyes (leadership, positive attitude, team player, exert maximum effort, passion for the game of basketball); good academic standing
  • Pair: Paul & Pauline Vaniman Pair Scholarship for Computer Science—computer science majors
  • Pair: Pauline Vaniman Pair Scholarship for the Fine Arts—art, music, theatre majors; good academic standing
  • Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Scholarship—auto restorations majors
  • Peckover: Lila Marie Peckover Scholarship—Hutchinson (KS) Community Church of the Brethren members
  • Penland: M.W. & Hallie Goforth Penland Scholarship—philosophy/religion, science, or education majors
  • Pepsi-Cola Scholarship—auto restorations majors
  • Peterson: Ernest & Inez Peterson Scholarship—juniors and seniors; business and accounting majors; minimum GPA
  • Porter: Irwin and Betty Porter Fund—no restrictions
  • Powell Family Scholarship in Science and Religion—science or religion/philosophy majors with preference to those studying both disciplines
  • Prather: A.B. & Vera Prather Scholarship—financial need
  • Quapaw: Benjamin Quapaw Scholarship—Native-American students
  • Quint: Don Quint Memorial Soccer Scholarship Fund—business majors who also are a member of the soccer team; minimum GPA
  • Ray: Art Ray Track & Field /Cross Country Scholarship—students participating in track and field or cross country; minimum GPA
  • Reed: Blake Reed Mac2Mac Scholarship—graduated from McPherson High School and participated in high school football program as a senior and plans to attend McPherson College and participate in the college’s football program; current McPherson College football player with financial need
  • Rock: Kenneth M. Rock Scholarship—upper 25% of their high school class; financial need
  • Rolls-Royce Foundation Scholarship—auto restorations students with demonstrated interest in Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars
  • Royer: Patricia A. .Royer Endowed Scholarship Fund—full-time students; affiliated with COB; majors in fine arts, business, sciences, or teacher education; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Royer: William D. & Alice Nash Royer Scholarship—biology majors
  • Sahl: Bob Sahl Scholarship—2nd-, 3rd- and 4th-year auto restoration students who demonstrate interest in pre-’16 autos; recommendation from the auto restoration faculty; financial need
  • Sargent: Paul & Rowena Vaniman Sargent Scholarship in Business—priority given to business majors; minimum GPA; financial need; nominated by business faculty
  • Sargent: Paul & Rowena Vaniman Sargent Scholarship in Foreign Language – for majors in any field with a commitment to study abroad for a minimum of one (1) semester
  • Sell: Orlin N. Sell Scholarship—students interested in Christian education, ministry, teaching, or social work
  • Sheller: Arlene Barley Sheller Scholarship—Ivester Church of the Brethren members/friends
  • Smith: Delbert L. & Barbara J. Smith Cross Country and Track & Field Scholarship—Student who participates in cross country and/or track and field; financial need
  • Smith: Dwight Smith Scholarship—financial need
  • Smith: Paul E. “Gene” Smith Scholarship—junior; football player who excelled at athletic performance, attitude, sportsmanship, and team play during sophomore year; recommendation from athletic staff
  • Snavely: Paul & Edna Snavely Scholarship—financial need
  • Snell: Dale Snell Scholarship—junior or senior music major; good academic standing
  • Spear: Spear Brothers Scholarship—full-time student enrolled in the Auto Restoration program; financial need
  • Staats: Elmer B. Staats & Margaret Rich Staats Scholarship for Public Service—students seeking career in public service
  • Strickler: Dale & Velma Strickler Scholarship—junior or senior students interested in social work, business or economics
  • Sutton: Charlie & Wilma Sutton Scholarship – full-time student; financial need
  • Trinity Church of the Brethren Scholarship—students interested in ministry
  • Trostle: Bernice McClellan Trostle Scholarship—priority to history, English, humanities, or social science majors
  • Trostle: Raymond H. Trostle Scholarship—priority to chemistry or history majors
  • Turner/Harris: Turner/Harris Endowed Scholarship—full-time students in automotive restoration, graphic arts, or music programs; minimum 3.0 GPA; preference given to veterans
  • Ullom: Victor and Rosalie Ullom Scholarship—Colorado residents; financial need
  • van Asselt/Higgins: Peggy van Asselt/Pam Higgins Scholarship**—priority to biology/foreign language double majors; financial need may be considered
  • VanGoethem: James & Lori VanGoethem Family Scholarship—full-time student; financial need; minimum GPA
  • Vaniman: Elmer E. Vaniman Scholarship in Music—music students; priority to Church of the Brethren students
  • Voshell: LaVerne M. “Tony” Voshell Athletic Scholarship—students participating in football, basketball, or track
  • Wall: Ernest A. Wall & Eunice Almen Wall & Rollyn E. Wall Scholarship—freshmen students
  • Ward: John Ward & Bonnie Martin Ward Scholarship—resident of McPherson, Kansas; planning to become a teacher; minimum GPA
  • Watkins-Gerhard Scholarship—financial need
  • Weaver: Paul & Frances Weaver Scholarship—students pursuing career in Christian ministry; philosophy/religion students
  • Will: W. Marvin & Doreen Will Scholarship—two annual scholarships to incoming freshmen majoring in political science, history or both
  • Wise: Jacob & Ruth Wise Scholarship—financial need
  • Witmore: Irma Cloe Witmore Scholarship—students of English, journalism, communication, theatre or library science who participate in at least one (1) extra-curricular or volunteer activity on campus each semester
  • Wittig: Randy & Sonya Wittig Scholarship—auto restoration students
  • Wittig: Roger & Rita Wittig Scholarship—auto restoration students
  • Yoder: Dayton & Hazel Yoder Scholarship—Church of the Brethren students with rural/agricultural background; academic achievement, leadership ability
  • York: H. Laverne & Evelyn Herr York Scholarship—student athlete majoring in physical education
  • Ziegler: Paul Ziegler Scholarship—priority given to member of the tennis team; demonstrate compassion, encouragement, and leadership; financial need

** not fully funded

Work Study and Employment

All students may apply for on-campus jobs, but students qualifying for the Federal College Work Study program are given priority. These jobs include clerical assistants, maintenance workers, housekeeping, resident assistants, admissions assistants, athletic event staff, etc.

Off-campus employment is usually available to students. The community of McPherson normally enjoys an unemployment rate far below the national average, and there are many requests for part-time student help. The Career Services Offices posts notices of available positions for both on- and off-campus jobs online at https://www.mcpherson.edu/career/.

Other Sources of Financial Assistance

Veteran’s Benefits may be used to attend McPherson College. For information on eligibility and to obtain application materials, students should contact the Veteran’s Administration by phone at 1-888-442-4551 or online at http:www.gibill.va.gov.

Local service agencies such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, PEO, AAUW and others often have funding available for qualified students. Inquire with these agencies for scholarship forms.

Other forms of financial aid may also be available. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.