Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

$8,044Tuition

694Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,694Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

Drury University's College of Continuing Professional Studies serves working adults who need flexible degree options. With 694 students enrolled, this Springfield campus specializes in programs designed for professionals balancing careers and education. The college operates as the continuing education arm of Drury's broader liberal arts university, focusing entirely on Missouri residents who make up 100% of the student body.

Students pay an average net price of $13,375 after financial aid, with tuition set at $8,044 regardless of residency status. About 59% of students receive some form of financial assistance. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,694 ten years after completing their programs, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,979. The monthly loan payment averages $222, making this a relatively affordable path for career advancement. However, the 32% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing degrees.

Women comprise 67% of the student population, typical for continuing education programs. The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and achieves a 94% employment rate among graduates. With a 38% retention rate, the program clearly serves students juggling multiple responsibilities, though persistence remains challenging for this population.

Academics & Faculty

This continuing education division serves working adults seeking to complete their degrees while maintaining professional responsibilities. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention crucial for non-traditional learners balancing work and school. However, the 32% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many adult students face juggling multiple commitments. The college offers flexible scheduling and accelerated programs designed around professional schedules. Nearly 59% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class adults seeking career advancement. Programs focus on practical skills and credentials that translate directly to workplace applications. The 94% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes for graduates who complete their programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 25.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.1%
Retention Rate: 37.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,694
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

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Campus Life

Drury's College of Continuing Professional Studies serves 694 students who juggle work and education in Springfield, Missouri's mid-sized urban setting. With 100% in-state enrollment and a 94% employment rate, most students are local working adults attending classes around their careers. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in evening and weekend programs designed for busy schedules.

Springfield sits two hours south of Kansas City and three hours southwest of St. Louis, offering small-city conveniences without big-city commute times. Missouri's four-season climate means packing both winter coats for January lows near 25°F and summer clothes for July highs around 90°F. As a continuing education program, campus life revolves around flexible scheduling rather than traditional dorm experiences or weekend activities. Students typically attend classes in the evenings or on weekends, then return to their families and jobs. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliation provides a values-based educational foundation, though the focus remains on practical, career-oriented learning for adult learners balancing multiple responsibilities.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–42°F
July Avg: 67°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.6"
Annual Snowfall: -1,538.4"

Student Demographics

Working adults make up the core student body at this continuing education division, with women comprising two-thirds of the 694 enrolled students. The school draws exclusively from Missouri, reflecting its mission to serve local professionals seeking career advancement. Nearly 59% receive Pell Grants, indicating the program attracts students from modest economic backgrounds who need affordable pathways to complete degrees. The strong female enrollment aligns with national trends in adult education, where women often return to school later in life. Students typically balance coursework with full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

Men: 33.3%
Women: 66.7%
White: 69.7%
Black: 6.2%
Hispanic: 11.8%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 58.8%

Location

Springfield sits in southwest Missouri, about 160 miles from Kansas City and 220 miles from St. Louis. The city of 170,000 serves as a regional center for the Ozarks plateau. Springfield hosts multiple colleges and universities, creating a college town atmosphere despite its mid-size status. The area combines rolling hills with urban amenities like the Bass Pro Shops headquarters and historic Route 66 attractions. Students find affordable living costs and outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Ozark Mountains. The 100% in-state enrollment reflects the college's focus on local working adults. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies with similar schools in the region.

Address: Springfield, Missouri 65802

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,694
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,424
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $222/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,979

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies?

This college focuses on serving adult learners and working professionals rather than traditional college applicants. With a 37.50% retention rate, the program attracts students who are balancing education with career and family responsibilities. The school draws exclusively from Missouri residents, creating a community-focused learning environment.

How much does Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,375 annually, with tuition set at $8,044 for all students. About 58.76% of students receive financial aid, though only 4.47% receive institutional grants. Graduates typically leave with $20,979 in debt and monthly loan payments of $222.

What is the academic experience like at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies?

Classes maintain a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 694 total students enrolled. The program operates on a semester system designed around the schedules of working adults. As the continuing education division of a private liberal arts university, it offers flexible learning options for professional development.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies?

The four-year graduation rate is 25.49%, reflecting the part-time nature of many students who balance work and study. However, 94.0% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $40,694 ten years after graduation. The program serves working professionals seeking career advancement rather than traditional college students.

Where is Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Springfield, Missouri, a mid-size city setting that serves the local professional community. With 66.71% women and 33.29% men, the student body reflects typical adult learner demographics. The program has roots in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition as part of the broader Drury University system.

How does Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies serve working adults?

This specialized college focuses entirely on continuing education for working professionals rather than traditional undergraduate programs. The 32.10% six-year graduation rate reflects students who often attend part-time while maintaining careers. The program structure accommodates adults seeking skill development and career advancement in Missouri's professional market.