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 gives you a mixed financial return. You pay about $26,000 a year net, and the median graduate earns around $51,000 a decade out. Median debt of $23,000 stays close to that first-year salary, which keeps repayment manageable if you finish. That "if" matters: only 61% of students graduate, and just 77% return after year one. If you drop out, you carry debt with no degree behind it, and that is the biggest risk here.
Your major decides everything. Nursing is the clear winner, with graduates clearing nearly $80,000 and a direct pipeline into St. Louis hospitals. Computer science pays well too. Finance sits in the mid-$40,000s, and accounting and general legal studies land in the low $40,000s or below, close enough to the campus-wide median that the private-school price is hard to justify for those fields alone. If you enroll in accounting expecting a strong payoff, the numbers do not support it.
Net price barely moves by income here. A family under $30,000 pays about $21,700, while a family over $110,000 pays $30,500. The gap between the poorest and richest tiers is under $9,000, so lower-income families still face a real bill and should compare this against in-state public options and the Missouri nursing programs that cost far less.
Webster is a good fit for you if you commit to nursing or computer science and are confident you will finish. If you are undecided, drawn to accounting or legal studies, or unsure about staying enrolled, the graduation risk and flat pricing make a cheaper public school the safer money. Pick the high-earning majors or reconsider the price.
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.