At $25,477/yr net price, Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 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) | $25,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $101,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,991/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,991/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
| 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 | $22,570/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,407/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,195/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,138/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,601/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 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $40,821 | |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Central Methodist University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning solid wages while most other programs struggle to justify their costs.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $61,054 annually with relatively low debt loads of $15,917. This represents strong ROI in Missouri's healthcare market. However, the school's other popular programs tell a different story. Education majors face particularly poor economics, earning just $35,213 while carrying $34,980 in debt. Business and accounting graduates also see modest returns that barely offset their educational investment.
The school presents significant financial risks beyond program selection. With a 52.5% graduation rate and 64.7% retention rate, you face real odds of leaving without a degree while still carrying debt. The $25,477 annual net price compounds these risks, especially given that median 10-year earnings of $48,991 lag behind many peer institutions.
CMU makes financial sense primarily for nursing students who can access the program and plan to work in Missouri or surrounding states. The healthcare job market in this region supports the salary expectations. Students pursuing education, business, or liberal arts fields should carefully consider whether the debt-to-earnings ratio works for their specific career goals.
With only 37% of students receiving aid, merit scholarship opportunities appear limited. If you're considering CMU for programs outside nursing, compare total costs against state universities or regional competitors that might deliver similar outcomes at lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $61,000 annually, which justifies the costs, but education majors average only $35,200 with similar debt loads. With a 53% graduation rate and $25,500 annual costs, many students don't finish and still carry debt.
What is the return on investment for Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Overall ROI is weak with average earnings of $49,000 ten years after graduation against $25,500 annual costs. Only nursing programs show strong returns, while business and education majors earn less than $40,000 annually. The high acceptance rate of 98% reflects lower admission standards.
How much debt do Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates have?
Median debt is $17,600, which is manageable for nursing graduates earning $61,000 but problematic for education majors earning $35,200. With nearly half of students not graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Which majors at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences pay off?
Nursing is the clear winner with $61,000 starting salaries that justify the investment. Business and education programs produce much lower earnings relative to costs, with education majors averaging just $35,200 annually.