At $26,111/yr net price, Westminster College graduates earn $52,199/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,199/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,111 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $104,444 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,199/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,199/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.5% |
| 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 | $22,825/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,593/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,412/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,042/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,055/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $24,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $31,495 |
The Risk Factor
57.5% of students at Westminster College 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
Westminster College delivers mixed financial returns, with graduates earning a median $52,199 ten years after graduation against $27,000 in typical debt. Your payback timeline depends heavily on your major choice at this Missouri liberal arts college.
Business majors see the strongest returns with $47,260 median earnings, making the $24,750 average debt manageable. Education majors face a tougher financial reality at $31,495 median earnings, creating a longer payback period that may strain your budget if you plan to teach in Missouri's lower-paying school districts.
The 57% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle to finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium that drives higher earnings. The 63% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year, potentially losing credits and increasing your total college costs.
Westminster works financially if you're disciplined about graduating and choose a business track. The small class sizes and alumni network in Missouri can help with job placement, particularly in Kansas City and St. Louis markets. Skip Westminster if you're unsure about your major or considering education, where the debt load outweighs typical teacher salaries.
Financial aid reaches 40% of students, suggesting merit opportunities for strong applicants. Your net price of $26,111 is reasonable for private college education, but only if you graduate on time and avoid the career paths with weak earnings potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westminster College in Missouri worth the cost?
Westminster College's graduates earn $52,199 after 10 years, which is modest considering the $26,111 annual net price. With a 57% graduation rate and $27,000 median debt, the return on investment is mixed and depends heavily on your chosen major.
What majors at Westminster College have the best job prospects?
Business Administration graduates from Westminster College earn around $47,260 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Education majors earn significantly less at $31,495, which may make loan repayment challenging given the debt load.
How much debt do Westminster College students typically graduate with?
Westminster College students graduate with a median debt of $27,000. While this is manageable for business majors earning $47,260, education majors making $31,495 may struggle with loan payments relative to their income.
Does Westminster College provide good financial aid?
Westminster College's net price of $26,111 represents significant aid from the full sticker price. However, many students still need loans, and the 57% graduation rate means nearly half of students pay without earning a degree.