At $14,774/yr net price, Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies graduates earn $48,991/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,991/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,774 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,619 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,013/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,057/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,054 | $15,917 |
| Education, General. | Master | $35,213 | $34,980 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $18,111 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,799 | $16,750 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $29,374 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $20,130 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $22,375 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $18,084 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Bachelor | $28,055 | $19,500 |
Analysis
Central Methodist University's College of Graduate and Extended Studies delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates who earn over $61,000 annually while carrying just $15,917 in debt. This creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that justifies the investment for healthcare-focused students.
The financial picture deteriorates quickly outside nursing. Education majors face the worst scenario, earning just $35,213 while shouldering nearly $35,000 in debt. Business and accounting graduates earn in the low $30,000s, creating modest returns that may not justify private school costs. These programs put you at significant financial risk given the debt loads relative to earning potential.
The 50% retention rate signals potential issues with student satisfaction or academic support, which could extend your time to graduation and increase costs. With only 27% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay close to the full net price without substantial merit scholarships.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can leverage the program's strong industry connections in Missouri's healthcare market. The rural location keeps living costs manageable, which helps offset tuition expenses. However, if you're considering education or business programs, you should explore more affordable public alternatives that offer similar outcomes without the debt burden. The limited financial aid availability means you need either significant personal resources or certainty about your career path's earning potential before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies worth the cost?
The ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn around $61,000 annually while business and education majors average $33,000-35,000, making the $14,774 yearly cost reasonable for nursing but questionable for other fields.
What programs at Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and nursing administration programs offer the strongest returns with graduates earning over $60,000. Education and business programs show weaker earning potential at around $33,000-35,000 annually.
How much student debt do Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies graduates typically have?
The median debt is $17,619, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for education and business majors earning in the low $30,000s.
Does Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $14,774 per year and 100% acceptance rate, the school appears accessible but lacks the generous aid packages that top schools offer. Students should carefully evaluate program-specific earning potential before enrolling.