McMurry University
Abilene, Texas · Private Nonprofit · 57.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 31/100 · Poor Value
McMurry University earns a Poor Value tier with an ROI score of 31 out of 100. The Abilene, Texas United Methodist liberal arts university posts a sticker tuition of $32,340 with a $19,581 net price after aid, putting four-year cost-of-attendance at $78,324. Median 6-year earnings of $36,200 climb to $48,779 by year 10, with a 15.8-year payback period and a 0.746 debt-to-earnings ratio against $27,000 median debt. The 44.3% completion rate is below average and is the leading drag on the score; nearly 56% of entrants don't finish. The 65.9% three-year repayment rate is mediocre. McMurry's reported program data shows the school's strengths in teacher education and business administration tracks, with C and C-grade outcomes that are workable but not strong. As a small Methodist liberal arts university competing for the same student pool as Abilene Christian University across town, McMurry struggles to differentiate its value proposition versus its larger and stronger-resourced cross-town competitor.
The data raises concerns about McMurry University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score31/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period15.8 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
McMurry University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $32,340/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $32,340/yr |
| Average net price | $19,581/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $78,324 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,779 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $27,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $286 |
| Estimated payback period | 15.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 44.3% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,176 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at McMurry University is $32,340/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,581/year, or roughly $78,324 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $15,946/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $27,297/year.
The median graduate leaves with $27,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $286 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,779 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.75 - 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 | $15,946 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,181 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,272 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,285 |
| $110,001+ | $27,297 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning $0-30K pay $15,946 net annually, with $30,001-48,000 households paying slightly more at $16,181. Four-year cost of $64K-$65K against $36,200 expected earnings is challenging but workable for teacher education completers. Pell-eligible students should evaluate Texas A&M Commerce or other regional Texas publics first.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income brackets pay $18,272 to $23,285 net annually, putting four-year costs at $73K-$93K. The math holds up for business and teacher education completers earning $43K-$47K, but the institutional 44.3% completion rate is the structural risk for this bracket.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110K pay $27,297 net annually, or $109K over four years. At that price McMurry competes directly with Abilene Christian, Baylor, and other stronger-resourced Texas Methodist and Christian options. The financial case requires either Methodist family ties or specific program preference (athletics, smaller-school environment) to justify.
Earnings by Major
Top 5 most popular majors at McMurry University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $47,035 | C |
| Business Administration and Management | $55,605 | D |
| Teacher Education | $42,638 | C |
| Sociology | $41,749 | - |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $44,668 | - |
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.
Teacher Education, Subject-Specific
Teacher Education (subject-specific, e.g., math, science, English certifications) has 19 graduates per year. First-year median earnings of $47,240 are essentially flat to $47,035 by year four, against $28,901 median debt for a 0.612 debt-to-earnings ratio and C ROI grade. The flat earnings progression reflects Texas public-school salary schedules where advancement is gradual. PSLF eligibility for public-school employment is critical for managing the debt.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration has 19 graduates per year with first-year median earnings of $43,340 climbing to $55,605 by year four. With $32,321 median debt the 0.746 debt-to-earnings ratio earns a D ROI grade. The earnings growth is reasonable but the elevated debt load relative to peer Texas private and public business programs is the friction point. Year-four earnings are workable but the early-career picture is tight.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education (general) has 15 graduates per year. First-year earnings of $42,900 are flat to $42,638 by year four, with $29,750 median debt for a 0.693 debt-to-earnings ratio and C ROI grade. Texas public-school teacher compensation caps upside; the relatively manageable debt and PSLF eligibility make this a defensible pathway for committed future teachers.
Sociology
Sociology has 7 graduates per year with first-year earnings of $32,956 climbing to $41,749 by year four. Median debt and ROI grade are not reported. Without the debt picture it's hard to fully assess, but the modest earnings progression suggests this is a graduate-school feeder rather than a direct-to-career track for most graduates.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 61.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 64.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 57.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-570 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-590 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-24 |
| Enrollment | 1,176 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,497 |
McMurry admits 57.0% of applicants, classifying as moderately selective. The middle 50% SAT range is 460-570 in math and 490-590 in reading, with an ACT range of 18-24. Those test ranges are modest and reflect a regional Texas applicant pool. The 44.3% completion rate combined with this admissions profile is below the typical norm for moderately selective private universities and signals retention challenges that compound the financial picture.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among McMurry's peer set, Abilene Christian University is its direct cross-town competitor and is substantially stronger on most outcome metrics, drawing the academically prepared Abilene student pool that McMurry would otherwise serve. Arlington Baptist University is an in-state Baptist comparable. University of Pikeville (Kentucky) and Averett University (Virginia) are regional small liberal arts comparables. William Penn University is an Iowa Quaker peer. McMurry's 31 ROI score lands at the bottom of this peer group; ACU's stronger position locally is a structural challenge.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| McMurry University (this school) | 31 | $19,581 | $48,779 |
| Abilene Christian University | 51 | $26,182 | $55,736 |
| Averett University | 37 | $22,925 | $51,516 |
| University of Pikeville | 33 | $20,311 | $48,231 |
| William Penn University | 31 | $22,601 | $48,936 |
| Arlington Baptist University | 14 | $24,906 | $44,644 |
Who Thrives Here
McMurry fits West Texas students drawn to the Methodist liberal arts mission and small-school environment, with 1,176 enrolled and a 23.8% Pell rate. Best fit for committed teacher education or business administration students who can complete the degree; weaker fit for undecided students given the 44.3% completion rate. The school's denominational community and athletic programs are real differentiators for the right student. Texas-affiliated United Methodist Church scholarships can substantially improve the cost picture for students from sponsoring congregations.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about McMurry University. With a net cost of $19,581 per year and median graduate earnings of only $48,779 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 15.8 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 44.3% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $27,000 against $48,779 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.