At $26,196/yr net price, Webster University graduates earn $50,876/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,876/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,196 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,876/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,876/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,696/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,251/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,193/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,857/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,453/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. | Master | $84,653 | $177,721 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $80,147 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $79,081 | |
| Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations. | Certificate | $75,204 | $38,744 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Master | $71,351 | |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. | Master | $70,806 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $68,219 | $48,869 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,473 | $50,555 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $58,221 | $61,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
61.1% of students at Webster University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Webster University delivers weak financial returns with a median salary of just $50,876 ten years after graduation, well below what you need to justify the $26,196 annual net price. The 61% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $79,000-$85,000 annually. However, one nursing track saddles students with $177,721 in debt, making the return questionable despite high salaries. Management Information Systems and Intelligence programs also break into the $75,000+ range and offer much better debt-to-income ratios.
The school's biggest financial risk is its inconsistent outcomes across programs. With only 28% of students receiving aid, you'll likely pay close to full price for degrees that may not pay off. The 77% retention rate suggests students struggle academically or financially during their first year.
Webster makes financial sense only if you're pursuing nursing, MIS, or intelligence studies and can graduate within four years. Students interested in liberal arts, communications, or other typical Webster programs should expect modest earning potential that may not justify the cost.
Your best strategy involves targeting merit scholarships aggressively and avoiding programs without clear career pathways. The relatively low median debt of $23,000 suggests some students manage costs effectively, but this requires careful program selection and disciplined spending. Students seeking broad educational experiences or unsure about career direction should consider lower-cost alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Webster University worth the cost?
Webster University's graduates earn a median of $50,876 after 10 years, which is modest given the $26,196 annual net price. The return on investment depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing and information systems offering much better outcomes than the overall average.
What are the best paying programs at Webster University?
Nursing programs at Webster University lead to median earnings of $79,000-$85,000, while Management Information Systems graduates earn around $80,000. These programs offer solid returns compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $51,000.
How much debt do Webster University students typically graduate with?
Webster University graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with typical starting salaries around $51,000, students should carefully consider their program's earning potential before borrowing.
Does Webster University have good job placement after graduation?
Webster University's 61% graduation rate suggests completion challenges for many students. While specific job placement data isn't available, the $51,000 median earnings indicate graduates find work but at relatively modest salary levels outside of top programs like nursing.