At $19,988/yr net price, McMurry University graduates earn $48,779/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,779/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,988 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,779/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,779/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,614/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,608/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,512/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,689/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,964/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 | $68,079 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $28,776 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $36,134 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,603 | $21,833 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,964 | $26,028 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
The Risk Factor
38.6% of students at McMurry University 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
McMurry University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $48,779 ten years after graduation falling short of what you need to justify the $19,988 annual cost and typical $27,000 in debt.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $68,079 annually. This makes McMurry's nursing program one of the few paths that justify the investment. Education majors earn $46,087 but carry slightly higher debt at $28,776, creating a tighter margin. Business-related majors perform poorly, with marketing graduates earning just $36,134 and general business administration students making $38,289.
The biggest red flag is McMurry's 38.6% graduation rate. This means six out of ten students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. The 64.6% retention rate signals students recognize early that the school may not deliver value.
McMurry makes financial sense only if you plan to study nursing or can attend with minimal debt. The school works for local students who can live at home and reduce costs, or those with substantial family financial support. You should look elsewhere if you need to borrow heavily for non-nursing majors or if you're considering business programs.
With 45% of students receiving aid, McMurry likely offers merit scholarships to attract students. However, these discounts may not overcome the fundamental challenge: most programs don't generate enough income to justify the total cost of attendance in Abilene's limited job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McMurry University worth the cost?
McMurry University's ROI is weak, with graduates earning $48,779 after 10 years against $27,000 in typical debt. The nursing program offers better returns at $68,079, but most other programs struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at McMurry University?
Nursing programs lead with $68,079 average earnings, followed by education at $46,087 and accounting at $43,798. Business and marketing majors earn significantly less at $38,289 and $36,134 respectively.
How much student debt do McMurry University graduates have?
McMurry graduates typically carry $27,000 in debt, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates payment challenges for business graduates earning under $40,000. The low 38.6% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does McMurry University have good job placement after graduation?
McMurry's overall graduate outcomes are below average, with earnings of $48,779 ranking low nationally. Only nursing graduates see strong employment prospects, while other majors face limited local job markets in Abilene.