About Avila University
Avila University builds its reputation on close-knit community and personalized attention for its 1,192 students in Kansas City. The Catholic institution emphasizes strong support systems that help students navigate both academic and personal challenges. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know their students by name rather than ID number. The university accepts 68% of applicants, creating a welcoming environment for students seeking a nurturing college experience.
Students pay an average net price of $16,939 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic diversity. Graduates earn a median of $52,773 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, though the 43% six-year graduation rate indicates some students struggle to finish.
Women outnumber men at 62% to 38%, creating a campus active that reflects many smaller private colleges. The student body brings remarkable diversity, with 43% white, 28% Black, and 18% Hispanic students. Athletics play a meaningful role with 396 student-athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports, supported by over $10 million in athletic scholarships.
Students pay an average net price of $16,939 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic diversity. Graduates earn a median of $52,773 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, though the 43% six-year graduation rate indicates some students struggle to finish.
Women outnumber men at 62% to 38%, creating a campus active that reflects many smaller private colleges. The student body brings remarkable diversity, with 43% white, 28% Black, and 18% Hispanic students. Athletics play a meaningful role with 396 student-athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports, supported by over $10 million in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Avila University operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution where small classes define the academic experience. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention throughout their studies. However, the 47% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their programs on schedule. The university emphasizes nursing, education, and business programs that prepare students for practical careers in Kansas City's growing healthcare and corporate sectors. With 1,192 students total, academic departments remain intimate enough for close mentoring relationships. The Catholic mission infuses coursework with ethics and service learning components that extend classroom theory into real-world applications.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.6%
- Retention Rate
- 68.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,773
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,969 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,137 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,185 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $40,485 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $39,369 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
Campus Life
Kansas City provides a metropolitan backdrop for this small Catholic campus of 1,192 students. Only 415 students can live in campus housing, meaning most Eagles commute from the surrounding area. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name.
Missouri weather demands both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-ins. Students gather in Kansas City's entertainment districts on weekends, taking advantage of barbecue joints, jazz clubs, and Chiefs games. The 396 varsity athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports create a strong athletic culture despite the small size. With 28% of students being Black and 18% Hispanic, Avila fosters a diverse community uncommon among Midwest Catholic schools. The 68% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the personal attention but also indicates some find the small environment limiting. Campus traditions center around Catholic identity and Eagle pride, though nearly half of students come from families earning under $48,000 annually, creating a working-class atmosphere alongside the university's religious mission.
Missouri weather demands both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-ins. Students gather in Kansas City's entertainment districts on weekends, taking advantage of barbecue joints, jazz clubs, and Chiefs games. The 396 varsity athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports create a strong athletic culture despite the small size. With 28% of students being Black and 18% Hispanic, Avila fosters a diverse community uncommon among Midwest Catholic schools. The 68% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the personal attention but also indicates some find the small environment limiting. Campus traditions center around Catholic identity and Eagle pride, though nearly half of students come from families earning under $48,000 annually, creating a working-class atmosphere alongside the university's religious mission.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 415 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1916
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–38°F
- July Avg
- 68°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.8"
Student Demographics
Avila draws students who need strong support systems to succeed in college. The student body is 62% women, reflecting the university's emphasis on nurturing programs like nursing and education. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Avila's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The diverse mix includes 43% white, 28% Black, and 18% Hispanic students. Most come from Missouri and surrounding states, giving Avila a strong regional reputation as a place where students from different backgrounds can find their footing in higher education.
- Men
- 37.7%
- Women
- 62.3%
- White
- 43.3%
- Black
- 28.1%
- Hispanic
- 18.5%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 55.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 49.1%
Location
Avila University sits in Kansas City, Missouri, the state's largest metropolitan area with over 2 million residents. The campus occupies 50 acres in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Kansas City. Students have access to internships and job opportunities across the metro area's diverse economy, which includes major healthcare systems, financial services, and technology companies. The region offers professional sports teams, strong barbecue, and a thriving arts scene centered around the Crossroads Arts District. Kansas City's central location provides easy access to other Midwest cities. The university draws 55% of its students from Missouri, reflecting its strong regional appeal. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Avila University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Kansas City, Missouri 64145-1698
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,773
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,275
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Avila University?
Avila University accepts 67.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic institution. The school looks for students with an average ACT score of 21 and values fit with their mission of personalized education.
How much does Avila University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Avila University is $16,939, lower than the sticker price of $38,672. Nearly half of students (49.08%) receive Pell Grants, and the school keeps costs manageable for families earning under $30,000 with a net price of just $13,998.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Avila University?
Avila University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,192 students. This small Catholic university built its reputation on providing personalized attention and strong support systems that help students succeed academically.
Does Avila University have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $52,773 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.4% employment rate. However, the school faces retention challenges with a 68.31% first-year retention rate and 42.60% six-year graduation rate.
Where do Avila University students live on campus?
The campus houses 415 students in residence halls, serving a diverse student body that is 62.33% women and diverse with 28.10% Black and 18.46% Hispanic students. About 55% of students come from Missouri, creating a strong regional presence in Kansas City.
Is Avila University strong in athletics?
Avila University competes in NAIA athletics with 13 varsity sports and 396 total student-athletes. The Eagles program invests heavily in athletics with $10,250,467 in athletic scholarships, reflecting the school's commitment to providing opportunities beyond academics.
