Avila University
Avila University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Avila University at a Glance
Avila University is a private Catholic university in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and offers bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Its 13 buildings are situated on a campus of 50 acres (20.2 ha) in Kansas City. The university had a total enrollment of 2,768 students in fall 2024, including 1,331 undergraduate students and 1,437 graduate students.
1916
110 years old
3,383
1,542 undergrad · 1,841 grad
Identity
Is Avila University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Avila University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,773 — 2% below average — while paying $16,053/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Avila University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Avila University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MO
Ranked #21 of 115 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #4 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #5 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #6 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #21 | Avila University | 39 | $16,053 | $52,773 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Avila University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in MO.
Best Programs at Avila University
The highest-earning program at Avila University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business/Commerce, General at $44,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Avila University earns $56,800, while a Business/Commerce, General graduate earns $44,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,898 in median debt vs. $26,316 for Business/Commerce, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,053/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,800 | $56,800 | $21,898 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $44,500 | $44,500 | $30,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $44,100 | $44,100 | $26,316 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Kansas City, MO
- Student Body
- 1,312 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,053
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,773
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000