About Culver-Stockton College
Culver-Stockton College operates as a tight-knit liberal arts community where nearly everyone knows each other. With just 884 students on a rural Missouri campus, the school emphasizes personalized education and close faculty relationships. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation shapes campus culture, though students from many backgrounds find their place here. An acceptance rate of 96.95% reflects the college's welcoming approach to admissions.
Most students pay around $22,080 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $46,092 ten years after college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,859 net.
Athletics dominate campus life at this NJCAA school, with 578 athletes competing across 16 varsity sports. Over half the student body participates in athletics, creating a sports-centered social scene. The 67.30% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust to the remote rural setting. However, those who stay often thrive in the close community atmosphere that defines the Wildcat experience.
Most students pay around $22,080 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $46,092 ten years after college, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,859 net.
Athletics dominate campus life at this NJCAA school, with 578 athletes competing across 16 varsity sports. Over half the student body participates in athletics, creating a sports-centered social scene. The 67.30% retention rate suggests some students struggle to adjust to the remote rural setting. However, those who stay often thrive in the close community atmosphere that defines the Wildcat experience.
Academics & Faculty
Culver-Stockton operates as a small liberal arts college where students explore broad academic foundations alongside career-focused majors. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide individual mentoring. The college emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research projects, and community partnerships. About half of students graduate within four years, with 50% completing degrees within six years. The Disciples of Christ affiliation influences the school's commitment to service learning and ethical leadership development. Business, education, and health sciences draw many students seeking practical skills. The semester calendar allows for intensive January term courses and study abroad opportunities that complement the rural Missouri setting.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.2%
- Retention Rate
- 67.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,092
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,281 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,305 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,305 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,236 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,585 |
Campus Life
Canton sits about two hours northwest of St. Louis in rural Missouri farmland. The housing capacity of 843 beds serves almost the entire student body of 884, creating a residential campus where nearly everyone lives on campus. You'll need a heavy winter coat for Missouri's cold snaps and humid summers call for plenty of air conditioning.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. With 578 athletes among 884 total students, over half the campus competes in one of 16 varsity sports for the Wildcats. The NJCAA athletic programs dominate weekend social life in a town with few other entertainment options. Students often drive to St. Louis or Kansas City for concerts and shopping trips.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation shapes campus culture without being overwhelming. The 67.3% retention rate reflects the challenge some students face adjusting to rural isolation after freshman year. Those who stay build tight friendships in residence halls and find mentorship opportunities that larger schools can't match.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. With 578 athletes among 884 total students, over half the campus competes in one of 16 varsity sports for the Wildcats. The NJCAA athletic programs dominate weekend social life in a town with few other entertainment options. Students often drive to St. Louis or Kansas City for concerts and shopping trips.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation shapes campus culture without being overwhelming. The 67.3% retention rate reflects the challenge some students face adjusting to rural isolation after freshman year. Those who stay build tight friendships in residence halls and find mentorship opportunities that larger schools can't match.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 843 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–34°F
- July Avg
- 66°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Culver-Stockton draws students from across the Midwest, with two-thirds coming from outside Missouri despite its rural location. The student body leans slightly male, reflecting strong programs in business and athletics that traditionally attract more men. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable private education. The demographic mix creates a community where small-town Missouri students learn alongside peers from neighboring states. This blend supports the college's Disciples of Christ mission of inclusive education while maintaining its practical, career-focused liberal arts identity.
- Men
- 55.1%
- Women
- 44.9%
- White
- 68.0%
- Black
- 15.5%
- Hispanic
- 6.9%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 33.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.8%
Location
Canton, Missouri sits in the rural northeast corner of the state, about 130 miles northwest of St. Louis. The town of roughly 2,400 residents offers a classic small-town college experience along the Mississippi River. With 884 students, Culver-Stockton makes up a significant portion of Canton's population. The surrounding region features rolling farmland and river bluffs typical of northeast Missouri. Students find themselves in an intimate setting where 67% are retained after their first year, suggesting many adapt well to the rural environment. The 843-capacity housing means most students live on campus in this tight-knit community. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Culver-Stockton with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Canton, Missouri 63435-1299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,092
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,883
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Culver-Stockton College?
Culver-Stockton accepts 96.95% of applicants with an average ACT score of 24. This rural Missouri college welcomes most students who apply, focusing on building a close-knit community rather than selective admissions.
How much does Culver-Stockton College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,080 annually, less than the sticker price of $40,520. The college provides institutional grants averaging $21,686 to 27.38% of students, making this Christian liberal arts education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Culver-Stockton College?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 among the 884 enrolled students. This small liberal arts college emphasizes personalized education and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What do graduates of Culver-Stockton College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $46,092 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $276. About 50.20% of students graduate within six years, and the employment rate reaches 96.9%.
Where is Culver-Stockton College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in rural Canton, Missouri with housing capacity for 843 students. With a 67.30% retention rate and 578 student athletes competing in 16 varsity sports, campus life revolves around tight community bonds typical of small college towns.
How athletic is Culver-Stockton College?
An impressive 65% of the student body participates in varsity athletics as Wildcats competing in NJCAA divisions. The college awards $2,482,482 in athletic scholarships across 16 sports, making it one of the most athletic-focused small colleges in Missouri.
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