During their 1887 annual meeting, the Church of the Brethren recognized the need for a college west of the Mississippi River to serve the educational desires of settlers moving westward.

The dormitory, a single building which served as residence hall, college, and library had been constructed before the semester began.

"[6] In 1926, J Willard Hershey synthesized one of the world's earliest synthetic (man-made) diamonds on the McPherson College campus.

[11] In 1976, local entrepreneur Gaines H. "Smokey" Billue, provided funds for the construction of Templeton Hall along with additional operating capital through the donation of a portion of his classic and antique car collection.

This donation provided the spark to launch the Automotive Restoration Technology program at McPherson College.

[13] In November 2022, an anonymous donor promised to deliver $2 for every $1 raised by McPherson College up to a maximum gift of $500 million.

[14] By June 30th, the final day of the matching period, the college had secured $342 million in outside pledges which enable them to receive the full amount of the initial donation.

[20] Freshman and Sophomore seminars Academic Community Essentials (known as ACE) is the name of McPherson's First Year Experience program.

The goals for the course are for students to learn about college life, create a degree plan, and practice good study skills, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.

The course goals for sophomores include completing a service project, developing a career plan, and exploring internship options.

[21] McPherson College offers the only four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Restoration Technology in the United States.

The restoration technical disciplines include research, documentation, automotive history, historical design, technical drawing and CAD, metal shaping, welding, body and paint, engine rebuilding, machining, applied diagnostics, chassis rebuilding, drivetrain rebuilding, final assembly, electricity and electronics, technical woodworking, materials engineering, foundry, and trim and upholstery.

[28][36] Winning student plans have included a campus community garden, college prep summer camp for middle school students, a sundry and snack shop on campus, a baking business, and a photography studio specializing in photos of vintage cars.

The Milwaukee Center offers short courses which are designed for K-12 educators who already have a bachelor's degree.

This program is designed to become the foundation for a master's degree in the Arts of Teaching and is pending accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

[42] Through a partnership agreement, these courses may also be used toward the Educational Leadership program at Fort Hays State University.

[46] Hoffman Student Union houses the dining hall, bookstore, and mail center.