At $14,867/yr net price, Methodist College graduates earn $69,800/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,800/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,867 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,800/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,800/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,867/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 | $57,619 | $34,500 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at Methodist College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Methodist College delivers solid financial returns despite its small size and specialized focus. With a net price of $14,867 annually and median earnings of $69,800 ten years after graduation, you'll earn roughly $4.70 for every dollar spent on tuition.
Nursing dominates the career outcomes here, which makes sense given the school's healthcare mission. Nursing graduates earn $57,619 annually with $34,500 in debt, creating manageable loan payments in a profession with strong job security. The regional healthcare market in central Illinois provides steady employment opportunities for Methodist graduates.
The 75% graduation rate shows most students complete their programs, though the missing retention data raises questions about first-year persistence. You should investigate why students leave after freshman year before committing.
This school works best if you want healthcare training in a small environment and plan to work in Illinois or the Midwest. The specialized focus means limited backup options if you change majors, making Methodist risky for undecided students. The debt levels are reasonable for nursing but could be problematic in lower-paying fields if the school expands beyond healthcare.
Financial aid reaches 56% of students, suggesting merit opportunities for qualified applicants. The relatively low net price indicates either generous aid packages or competitive base tuition. You should compare aid offers carefully, as small private colleges often negotiate on price for desirable candidates.
Look elsewhere if you want broad academic options or strong credentials. Methodist works for focused healthcare students who value small classes and regional job placement over national recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Methodist College worth the cost for nursing students?
Methodist College's nursing programs lead to median earnings of $57,619, which makes the $31,250 median debt manageable for most graduates. The 75% graduation rate is solid, and nursing jobs offer stable employment prospects.
What is the return on investment for Methodist College graduates?
Methodist College graduates earn a median of $69,800 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $31,250. This debt-to-income ratio is reasonable, especially for nursing majors who make up the school's strongest programs.
How much financial aid does Methodist College actually provide?
Methodist College brings the average annual cost down to $14,867 after financial aid. This relatively low net price makes the college accessible compared to many private institutions.
Should I choose Methodist College if I'm not majoring in nursing?
Methodist College is primarily known for nursing and related health programs. Students in other fields may find better ROI at institutions with stronger programs in their chosen area of study.