At $24,978/yr net price, Methodist University graduates earn $48,050/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,050/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,978 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,050/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,050/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.1% |
| 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 | $21,803/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,432/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,113/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,208/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,198/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $102,242 | $106,463 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $61,064 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,234 | $26,983 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,464 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,971 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,363 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $28,000 |
The Risk Factor
40.1% of students at Methodist University 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
Methodist University delivers mixed financial returns, with your career prospects heavily dependent on your major choice. The school's $48,050 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the $24,978 annual net price, especially given the concerning 40% graduation rate.
Allied health programs offer the strongest financial payoff at $102,242 annually, though you'll carry steep debt of $106,463. Criminal justice graduates earn $61,064, while nursing provides solid returns at $56,234 with manageable $26,983 debt loads. Business and accounting majors face weaker prospects, with accounting graduates earning just $44,971 despite the degree cost.
The school's low graduation and retention rates create significant financial risk. With nearly 60% of students not completing their degree, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no diploma. This makes Methodist particularly risky if you're uncertain about your major or lack strong academic preparation.
Methodist works financially if you're committed to allied health, criminal justice, or nursing programs and can handle the academic demands. The school attracts relatively few aid recipients at 39%, suggesting limited need-based support. You should look elsewhere if you're considering lower-earning majors like education or liberal arts, or if you need extensive academic support to succeed.
Given the regional job market in Fayetteville and surrounding areas, healthcare and criminal justice graduates benefit from strong local demand. However, the school's completion rates suggest you need to enter with clear career goals and solid study skills to avoid becoming part of the 60% who don't finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Methodist University worth the cost?
Methodist University's ROI depends heavily on your major. While graduates earn $48,050 annually after 10 years against $27,000 in typical debt, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Methodist University?
Allied Health programs lead with $102,242 average earnings, followed by Criminal Justice at $61,064. Business and nursing majors earn in the $50,000s, while accounting graduates average $44,971.
How much debt do Methodist University students graduate with?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable for high-earning programs like Allied Health. However, students in lower-paying majors may struggle to justify this debt load given the school's below-average graduation rate.
Does Methodist University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $24,978 per year, Methodist University costs less than many private schools. However, the low graduation rate means financial aid effectiveness varies significantly based on whether students actually complete their programs.