About William Jewell College
Students pay an average net price of $16,602 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,268 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $24,498. The monthly loan payment of $260 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Nearly 28% of students receive Pell Grants, and the college awards institutional grants averaging $13,451 to qualifying families.
The Cardinals compete in 21 NCAA Division II sports, with 539 athletes representing over half the student body. Athletic scholarships total more than $3.7 million annually. The 61.96% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's commitment to helping students finish on time. With 98.4% of graduates finding employment, Jewell delivers on its promise of career preparation through personalized attention.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.6%
- Retention Rate
- 76.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,268
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,403 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,337 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $26,896 |
Campus Life
Missouri weather demands both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-ins. The 53% male, 47% female split creates a balanced social active across the Cardinals' 21 varsity sports teams, which draw 539 student-athletes. Weekends revolve around NCAA Division II games, campus traditions, and trips to Kansas City's Power & Light District or Royals games. The tight-knit community means campus events like Homecoming and Spring Fling draw nearly universal participation. Students often study in small groups given the collaborative academic culture, and many form lasting friendships through residence hall programming and the college's strong Greek life presence.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 856 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1849
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–38°F
- July Avg
- 66°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 53.0%
- Women
- 47.0%
- White
- 62.2%
- Black
- 8.9%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 59.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.9%
Location
- Address
- Liberty, Missouri 64068-1896
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,268
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,301
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $260/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,498
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at William Jewell College?
William Jewell College accepts 41% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small liberal arts school. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1130 on the SAT, reflecting the college's commitment to attracting academically focused students to its tight-knit community.
How much does William Jewell College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,602 after aid, less than the sticker price of $32,071. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,227 on average, while the college provides institutional grants averaging $13,451 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at William Jewell College?
The college maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 868 total students, ensuring the close mentoring relationships that define the William Jewell experience. This small size allows professors in business, education, and nursing programs to provide individualized attention that larger universities cannot match.
How much do William Jewell College graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $59,268 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes showing a 98.4% employment rate. The college's focus on practical programs like business and nursing helps students transition successfully into their careers, though graduates carry a manageable median debt of $24,498.
Where is William Jewell College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Liberty, Missouri, a large suburb that provides a college town feel while keeping students connected to nearby Kansas City. With housing capacity for 856 students and a 76.5% retention rate, the campus creates the close community atmosphere that has defined William Jewell since its founding in 1849.
Does William Jewell College have strong athletics programs?
The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division II with 21 varsity sports and 539 total athletes, making athletics a significant part of campus life. The college invests $3.7 million in athletic scholarships annually, demonstrating its commitment to both academic excellence and competitive sports within the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
