Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at a Glance
Central Methodist University is a private university in Fayette, Missouri. CMU is accredited to offer master's, bachelors, and associate degrees. While affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the university does not impose any religious requirements on its students.
1854
172 years old
$67M
$66.6 million (2024)
3,382
5,437 undergrad · 225 grad
55 acres
Identity
Is Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,991 — 9% below average — while paying $22,766/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% 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 Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #34 of 73 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 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #3 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #4 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Saint Vincent College | 45 | $23,510 | $59,982 |
| #34 | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | 28 | $22,766 | $48,991 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MO.
Best Programs at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The highest-earning program at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $26,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences earns $57,900, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $26,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. 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 $15,000 in median debt vs. $18,750 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,766/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 | $57,900 | $57,900 | $15,000 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $36,300 | $36,300 | N/A |
| Business/Commerce, General | $33,300 | $33,300 | $14,010 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $29,600 | $29,600 | $20,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,000 | $29,000 | $23,249 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $28,400 | $28,400 | $26,875 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $27,600 | $27,600 | $20,834 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $26,900 | $26,900 | $15,000 |
| Education, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $15,792 |
| Psychology, General | $26,100 | $26,100 | $18,750 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fayette, MO
- Student Body
- 1,040 students
- Admission Rate
- 57%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,766
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,991
- Median Student Debt
- $17,619