About Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences draws 1,015 students to its rural Missouri campus in Fayette. This Methodist university has built its reputation on a tight-knit community where students and faculty know each other by name. The school maintains its United Methodist heritage while serving a diverse student body that's 54% women and draws from across the Midwest. With a 97% acceptance rate, CMU opens doors wide for students seeking a small college experience.
Students pay an average net price of $25,477 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $22,570. Graduates earn a median of $48,991 ten years out, making the typical monthly loan payment of $187 manageable for most. The median debt load of $17,619 sits well below national averages. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment, suggesting the university's career preparation pays off.
Athletics dominate campus life with 694 student-athletes competing across 18 NAIA sports. The school awards over $6.5 million in athletic scholarships annually, making CMU a destination for student-athletes who might not land Division I spots. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors coach students both in classrooms and on playing fields.
Students pay an average net price of $25,477 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $22,570. Graduates earn a median of $48,991 ten years out, making the typical monthly loan payment of $187 manageable for most. The median debt load of $17,619 sits well below national averages. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment, suggesting the university's career preparation pays off.
Athletics dominate campus life with 694 student-athletes competing across 18 NAIA sports. The school awards over $6.5 million in athletic scholarships annually, making CMU a destination for student-athletes who might not land Division I spots. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors coach students both in classrooms and on playing fields.
Academics & Faculty
Central Methodist University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a broad-based education typical of Methodist institutions, emphasizing both academic growth and personal development. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small and professors know their students personally. With just over 1,000 students, this creates an intimate learning environment where getting lost in the crowd is nearly impossible. The university is particularly known for its education and business programs, which have strong regional reputations. However, the 52% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees, despite the personalized attention. The Methodist heritage influences the curriculum, integrating faith-based perspectives with traditional liberal arts subjects.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.5%
- Retention Rate
- 64.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,991
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,054 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $40,821 |
| Education, General. | Master | $35,213 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $31,799 |
| 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 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
Campus Life
Central Methodist sits in Fayette, a town of 2,700 people about two hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis. With housing for 816 students and total enrollment of 1,015, most undergraduates live on the compact campus. The rural Missouri location means real winters requiring heavy coats and hot, humid summers.
The Eagles compete in 18 NAIA sports with 694 total athletes, making athletics central to campus life. Nearly 70% of students participate in varsity sports, club teams, or intramurals. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school atmosphere where professors know every student's name. Weekend activities revolve around sporting events, campus traditions, and trips to Columbia for bigger-city entertainment. The Methodist heritage shows in the community service emphasis, though the 97.86% acceptance rate brings students from diverse backgrounds. With 65% of students from Missouri, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find tight bonds in residence halls and student organizations. The small size means everyone knows everyone, creating lasting friendships but little anonymity.
The Eagles compete in 18 NAIA sports with 694 total athletes, making athletics central to campus life. Nearly 70% of students participate in varsity sports, club teams, or intramurals. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school atmosphere where professors know every student's name. Weekend activities revolve around sporting events, campus traditions, and trips to Columbia for bigger-city entertainment. The Methodist heritage shows in the community service emphasis, though the 97.86% acceptance rate brings students from diverse backgrounds. With 65% of students from Missouri, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find tight bonds in residence halls and student organizations. The small size means everyone knows everyone, creating lasting friendships but little anonymity.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 816 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–37°F
- July Avg
- 67°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 10.3"
Student Demographics
Central Methodist draws primarily Missouri students who want a close-knit college experience without leaving home. Two-thirds of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong ties to local communities and Methodist congregations across Missouri. The student body is more diverse than many rural campuses, with nearly 21% students of color. About 37% receive Pell Grants, showing CMU serves middle-class families seeking affordable private education. The slight female majority aligns with the liberal arts focus, though robust athletics programs attract male and female student-athletes across 18 varsity sports.
- Men
- 45.7%
- Women
- 54.3%
- White
- 63.8%
- Black
- 11.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 65.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.0%
Location
Fayette sits in the heart of Missouri farm country, about 30 miles northwest of Columbia and 150 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis. The town has fewer than 3,000 residents and revolves around Central Methodist's campus. Rural Howard County offers rolling hills, farmland, and small-town quiet that contrasts sharply with urban college experiences. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the intimate scale you'll find throughout this agricultural region. With 65% of students coming from Missouri, many appreciate staying close to home while experiencing true college-town life. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fayette, Missouri 65248-1198
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,991
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,224
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $187/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,619
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Central Methodist University accepts 97.86% of applicants, making it highly accessible to prospective students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 930-1090 on the SAT, reflecting the school's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $25,477 annually after financial aid is applied. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $18,044 for those who qualify, helping make this Methodist university more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
The university maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this close-knit academic environment. With just over 1,000 students total, professors know students by name and can provide individualized mentoring.
What are the graduation outcomes at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 52.5%, with graduates earning a median salary of $48,991 ten years after enrollment. Students typically leave with $17,619 in debt and monthly loan payments of $187, which is manageable given the strong employment rate of 97.9%.
Where is Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences located?
The campus sits in rural Fayette, Missouri, creating a traditional small-town college experience. Housing capacity accommodates 816 students, allowing most undergraduates to live on campus and build strong community connections in this intimate setting.
Does Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have strong athletics programs?
The university fields 18 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level with 694 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $6.5 million annually, reflecting the school's serious commitment to sports as both a recruitment tool and campus culture cornerstone.
