McMurry University
McMurry University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
McMurry University at a Glance
McMurry University is a private Methodist university in Abilene, Texas, United States. It was founded in 1923 and named after William Fletcher McMurry. The university offers forty-five majors in the fields of fine arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, education, business, and religion, and nine pre-professional programs, including nursing, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary, and law.
1923
103 years old
$95M
$94.5 million (2019)
4,144
40 acres
Identity
Is McMurry University Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, McMurry University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,779 — 9% below average — while paying $19,581/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 41% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at McMurry University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How McMurry University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #42 of 71 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 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Madonna University | 49 | $17,755 | $59,058 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Saint Vincent College | 45 | $23,510 | $59,982 |
| #6 | Judson University | 43 | $18,558 | $56,313 |
| #42 | McMurry University | 26 | $19,581 | $48,779 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of McMurry University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in TX.
Best Programs at McMurry University
The highest-earning program at McMurry University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $35,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from McMurry University earns $63,700, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $35,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,581/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 | $63,700 | $63,700 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,900 | $35,900 | $29,625 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Abilene, TX
- Student Body
- 1,176 students
- Admission Rate
- 57%
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,581
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,779
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000