Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Fayette, Missouri · Private Nonprofit · 56.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 40/100 · Poor Value
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences scores 40 (Poor Value), with a 16.5-year payback period, 51.2% completion rate, and $35,000 median 6-year earnings. The small private Methodist school in Fayette, Missouri enrolls 1,040 students and charges $28,260 tuition with a net price of $22,766. Median debt of $17,619 produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.503. A 65.7% loan repayment rate indicates many graduates are not successfully paying down debt. Nursing is the only program producing above-average earnings; most other programs earn D or C grades on ROI.
The data raises concerns about Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score40/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period16.5 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $28,260/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,260/yr |
| Average net price | $22,766/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $91,064 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,991 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $35,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,619 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $187 |
| Estimated payback period | 16.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 51.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,040 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is $28,260/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,766/year, or roughly $91,064 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $20,260/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,411/year.
The median graduate leaves with $17,619 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $187 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,991 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,260 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,894 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,680 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,883 |
| $110,001+ | $27,411 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The $0-30,000 income bracket pays $20,260 per year. At four-year total cost around $81,000 against $35,000 median 6-year earnings and a 16.5-year payback, the financial case for low-income students is difficult outside nursing. The 40.3% Pell grant rate indicates substantial low-income enrollment in an institution with constrained earnings outcomes.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families ($30,001-75,000) pay $18,894-$20,680 per year. The aid structure compresses prices across income bands with only modest differentiation. For middle-income families in rural Missouri or surrounding states, the net price may feel affordable but the 51.2% completion rate and 16.5-year payback should weigh heavily in the decision.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,001+ pay $27,411 per year -- about $110,000 over four years. Against $35,000 median 6-year earnings, full-pay makes sense only for nursing or health sciences students. For general liberal arts or business programs at Central Methodist, in-state public options in Missouri offer better outcomes at lower cost.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $85,140 | B |
| Business Administration and Management | $51,274 | C |
| Psychology | $42,219 | C |
| Teacher Education | $35,452 | C |
| Biology | $46,344 | C |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $51,637 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,805 | D |
| Computer Science | $59,648 | C+ |
| Accounting | $52,836 | C |
| Education, Other | $43,653 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing (30 graduates) is the clear ROI leader: $73,569 year one, $85,140 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.367 (ROI grade B). Missouri nursing wages are lower than coastal markets but provide reliable employment in a rural-serving institution. Median debt of $27,000 is high relative to program cost, suggesting the overall institutional debt load rather than program-specific borrowing is driving this number.
Computer Science
Computer Science (10 graduates) earns $49,629 year one and $59,648 at year four with debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.504 (ROI grade C+). The year-one figure is below the national CS average and reflects graduates entering regional Missouri technology markets rather than coastal tech hubs. The four-year growth to $59k is modest. With only 10 graduates, the sample is small.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration (23 graduates) earns $39,435 year one and $51,274 at year four with debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.576 (ROI grade C). The C grade and modest earnings reflect rural Missouri placement into small business, retail management, and regional corporate roles. At 16.5-year institutional payback, the business track does not meaningfully outperform the median.
Psychology
Psychology (22 graduates) earns $36,323 year one and $42,219 at year four with debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.695 (ROI grade C). The C grade reflects low earnings against a $25,230 median debt load. Near-flat growth from year one to four ($36k to $42k) indicates graduates are not advancing quickly in their early careers. Psychology students who are not planning on graduate school should look carefully at career pathways before committing.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education (19 graduates) earns $32,393 year one and $35,452 at year four -- essentially flat earnings, reflecting Missouri public school salary floors. Debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.631 earns a C grade. Teachers at Central Methodist who pursue PSLF or Missouri loan forgiveness programs can partially offset the debt burden; those who don't face a debt-income gap that persists for years.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.0% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 66.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 56.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 520-555 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 440-490 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-23 |
| Enrollment | 1,040 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 40.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,712 |
Central Methodist accepts 56.9% of applicants. ACT 17-23 (composite mid-range) indicates a wide range of academic preparation in the incoming class. SAT Reading 440-490 is below national average. Admission is not the challenge; completion is. The 51.2% graduation rate means the school loses nearly half its students before degree completion.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Central Methodist's peer group includes Avila University, Mission University, Geneva College, Albertus Magnus College, and Our Lady of the Lake University. These are all small private institutions with limited Scorecard data. Central Methodist's ROI score of 40 is on the lower end of this group. Avila University and Albertus Magnus are comparable small Catholic schools with broadly similar program mix and earnings profiles. Within this peer cluster, the differentiating factor is completion rate, where Central Methodist's 51.2% is broadly average for schools in this segment.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (this school) | 40 | $22,766 | $48,991 |
| Avila University | 51 | $16,053 | $52,773 |
| Albertus Magnus College | 39 | $34,028 | $60,144 |
| Geneva College | 38 | $25,890 | $50,004 |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | 35 | $16,442 | $48,675 |
| Mission University | 15 | $21,383 | $38,641 |
Who Thrives Here
Central Methodist fits students from Missouri and adjacent states who want a small residential Methodist liberal arts college experience and are specifically targeting nursing or health preparatory programs. The 56.9% acceptance rate is moderately selective but not rigorous -- SAT Math 520-555 and Reading 440-490, ACT 17-23 indicate a broad range of academic preparation. The 51.2% completion rate is a significant institutional risk indicator. Students entering anything other than nursing or health sciences face limited earnings upside against a debt load that takes 16.5 years to pay back at median outcomes.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. With a net cost of $22,766 per year and median graduate earnings of only $48,991 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 16.5 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 51.2% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $17,619 against $48,991 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.