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 gives you a mixed financial picture with a slow payback. You'll pay around $26,000 a year net, carry a $27,000 median debt load, and land at $52,199 in median earnings ten years out. That's enough to clear the debt over time, but it's not a fast return, and the numbers below the surface add risk.
The two bachelor programs with reported earnings tell different stories. Business Administration graduates start near $47,000 with about $24,750 in debt, so your loan roughly matches your first-year pay. Teacher Education graduates come in around $31,495, which makes that same debt load harder to service on a Missouri teaching salary. If you're choosing between these paths for financial reasons, business is the clear winner here, and education is the one where debt and pay are furthest apart.
The biggest risk at Westminster is finishing at all. Only 63% of first-year students return, and 57.5% graduate. If you borrow, enroll, and leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump that makes the price worth paying. That attrition rate is the number to weigh most heavily.
The net price barely moves with income. Families under $30,000 pay about $22,825, while families over $110,000 pay $29,055. The lowest-income tier gets only a modest discount, so if your family earns under $48,000, you'll still face a real price and should compare it against in-state public options in Missouri.
Westminster fits you if you're headed into business, plan to finish in four years, and can manage roughly $27,000 in debt against a solid regional salary. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for teaching and want the debt to pay off quickly, or if you're unsure you'll stay past year one.
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.