At $22,270/yr net price, William Woods University graduates earn $42,401/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,401/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,270 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $89,080 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,401/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,401/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,983 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,042/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,587/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,217/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,359/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,809/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,343 | $34,498 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $53,579 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,856 | $23,082 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $39,801 | $23,063 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $36,488 | $23,833 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $35,772 | $19,491 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,772 | $19,500 |
| American Sign Language. | Bachelor | $32,806 | $18,197 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $29,322 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $27,295 | $24,523 |
The Risk Factor
57.0% of students at William Woods University 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
William Woods University delivers a mixed financial return that depends heavily on your program choice. The $22,270 annual net price produces median earnings of $42,401 after ten years, creating a reasonable but not strong payoff for most graduates.
Educational Administration programs offer the strongest returns, with some graduates earning $78,343 annually despite carrying higher debt loads around $34,498. Business Administration graduates see solid mid-career earnings at $50,856 with more manageable debt of $23,082. However, education-focused programs like Curriculum and Instruction produce weaker returns at $36,488 annually.
The school's 57% graduation rate presents significant risk. Nearly half of students who enroll never finish their degrees, making this a poor choice if you lack strong academic preparation or clear career focus. The 74% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college life or find the programs don't meet expectations.
Only 30% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial assistance for middle-income families. This makes William Woods most suitable for students whose families can afford the full cost or who qualify for substantial merit scholarships.
You should consider William Woods if you plan to pursue educational leadership roles and can handle the academic demands. The small Missouri location may limit internship and job opportunities compared to urban schools. Avoid this school if you need significant financial aid, prefer large research universities, or want access to diverse career networks. The combination of moderate costs and career-focused programs works best for motivated students with clear professional goals in education or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Woods University worth the cost?
William Woods University graduates earn $42,401 ten years after graduation, which is below average for a $22,270 annual net price. The median debt of $21,983 takes significant time to pay off at these salary levels, making the ROI questionable for most programs.
What are the best paying majors at William Woods University?
Educational Administration programs at William Woods University offer the strongest returns, with some graduates earning $78,343. Business Administration graduates typically earn around $50,856, while other education programs like Curriculum and Instruction average $36,488.
How much debt do William Woods University graduates have?
William Woods University graduates leave with a median debt of $21,983. With average earnings of $42,401, graduates spend a substantial portion of their income on loan payments in their early career years.
Does William Woods University have good graduation rates?
William Woods University has a 57% graduation rate, meaning 43% of students don't finish their degree. This below-average completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.