At $13,375/yr net price, Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies graduates earn $40,694/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,694/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,375 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,500 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,694/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,694/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,979 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,262/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,048/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,253/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,735/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,969 | $22,778 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $23,250 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $23,424 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $31,133 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,988 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $15,634 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $29,913 | $19,478 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $20,186 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $31,053 |
The Risk Factor
32.1% of students at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Drury University's College of Continuing Professional Studies offers a concerning financial picture with weak returns across most programs. Your median earnings of $40,694 barely justify the investment, especially given the school's 32% graduation rate.
Business Administration leads earnings at $39,969, but this falls short of national averages for business degrees. Public Relations graduates earn $35,416 against $23,250 in debt, creating a manageable but unimpressive debt-to-income ratio. Biology majors face the worst financial outcome, earning just $31,314 while carrying similar debt loads to other programs.
The 37% retention rate signals serious academic or financial pressures that force students to leave before completing degrees. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face significant risk of accumulating debt without earning a credential. This pattern suggests the school struggles to support students through degree completion.
This college works best for working adults who need flexible scheduling and already have stable employment. The continuing education focus serves students seeking promotions or career changes rather than those entering the job market fresh. If you're a traditional student or career changer seeking strong earning potential, you'll find better returns elsewhere.
The relatively low net price of $13,375 makes the financial risk more manageable than at expensive private schools, but the poor graduation rates negate this advantage. You're better served by community colleges for affordability or regional public universities for stronger career outcomes and support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies worth the cost?
With 10-year earnings of $40,694 and a net price of $13,375 annually, the return is modest but reasonable for most programs. The low graduation rate of 32% is a significant concern that affects overall value.
What are the best paying programs at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies?
Business Administration leads at $39,969 annually, followed by Public Relations at $35,416. Most other programs fall below $32,000, which may not justify the investment for some students.
How much debt do Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies graduates typically have?
The median debt is $20,979, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies?
Only 32% of students graduate, which is well below the national average. This significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree that improves income potential.