At $22,080/yr net price, Culver-Stockton College graduates earn $46,092/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,092/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,080 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,320 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,092/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,092/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,859/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,483/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,385/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,019/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,597/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 | $55,964 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,281 | $25,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,305 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,305 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,585 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
50.2% of students at Culver-Stockton College 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
Culver-Stockton College delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to justify the cost for most students. With median earnings of $46,092 ten years after graduation against a $22,080 annual price tag, you're looking at a payback period that stretches uncomfortably long.
The nursing program stands out as the only clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $55,964 annually. If you're committed to nursing, Culver-Stockton makes financial sense. For every other major, the numbers tell a different story. Business graduates earn just $40,281 despite the school's $22,080 annual cost, while criminal justice and education majors face particularly poor prospects with starting salaries around $30,000.
The 50% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to justify it. The low 67% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, often due to financial pressures or academic challenges.
This school works financially if you're pursuing nursing and confident you'll complete the program. For all other majors, you'll likely find better returns elsewhere. The small size means limited scholarship dollars to go around, and with only 36% of students receiving aid, financial support is far from guaranteed.
Consider Culver-Stockton only if you have strong family financial backing, are certain about completing your degree, or are specifically drawn to their nursing program. Otherwise, the combination of high dropout rates, modest earning potential, and limited financial aid makes this a financially risky choice that could leave you worse off than when you started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Culver-Stockton College worth the money?
With median earnings of $46,092 ten years after graduation and a net price of $22,080 annually, Culver-Stockton offers reasonable value compared to many private colleges. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the best paying majors at Culver-Stockton College?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return on investment at Culver-Stockton, with graduates earning around $55,964 annually. Business majors earn about $40,281, while education and fitness majors typically earn under $30,000, which may not justify the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Culver-Stockton College graduates have?
The median debt load is $26,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for lower-earning majors like education ($30,305) and fitness ($28,236). Students in these programs should carefully consider whether the debt is sustainable.
What is the graduation rate at Culver-Stockton College?
Only 50% of students graduate from Culver-Stockton College. This high dropout rate is a major red flag for ROI, as students who don't finish still carry debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying jobs.