At $16,602/yr net price, William Jewell College graduates earn $59,268/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,268/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,602 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,408 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,268/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,268/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,498 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,227/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,862/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,954/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,573/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,742/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. | Bachelor | $57,403 | $23,841 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $38,337 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $23,969 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $26,896 |
The Risk Factor
61.6% of students at William Jewell College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
William Jewell College delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning solid incomes but most other programs struggling to justify their costs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,403 annually against $23,841 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that works in Kansas City's healthcare market.
Liberal arts graduates face tougher economics, earning $43,798 while carrying $25,000 in debt. Business and communications majors earn even less at $37,856 and $38,337 respectively, making their debt loads harder to manage. Psychology graduates earn just $33,993, creating the weakest financial outcome among major programs.
The school's 61.6% graduation rate means you face real dropout risk, potentially leaving with debt but no degree. The 76.5% retention rate suggests some students recognize early that the financial equation doesn't work for them.
You'll find this college makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can access the school's merit scholarships to reduce that $16,602 net price. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests either strong family incomes or limited need-based assistance. If you're considering liberal arts or business, you'd likely achieve better financial outcomes at lower-cost state schools in Missouri or Kansas that feed the same regional job market.
Skip William Jewell if you're borrowing heavily for non-nursing programs. The combination of modest regional salaries and private college debt creates long-term financial stress that the prestige of a small liberal arts education can't overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Jewell College worth the cost?
William Jewell College offers decent value with a net price of $16,602 and graduates earning $59,268 after 10 years. The nursing programs justify the cost with $57,403 average earnings, but other majors like psychology ($33,993) and communication ($38,337) show weaker returns.
What are the best paying majors at William Jewell College?
Nursing programs at William Jewell College lead earnings at $57,403, followed by liberal arts at $43,798. Business and communication majors earn significantly less at around $37,000-38,000 annually.
How much debt do William Jewell College graduates have?
William Jewell College graduates carry a median debt of $24,498. With starting salaries varying widely by major, nursing graduates can manage this debt load better than psychology or communication majors.
Does William Jewell College have good job outcomes?
William Jewell College has mixed job outcomes with a 61.6% graduation rate and average 10-year earnings of $59,268. Success depends heavily on your major, with nursing students seeing much better returns than liberal arts graduates.