Methodist University
Methodist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Methodist University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, Methodist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,050 — 11% below average — while paying $24,704/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 42% 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 56% 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 Methodist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Methodist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #122 of 149 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 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #4 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #5 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #6 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #122 | Methodist University | 20 | $24,704 | $48,050 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Methodist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in NC.
Best Programs at Methodist University
The highest-earning program at Methodist University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $25,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Methodist University earns $57,600, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $25,200. 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 $31,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,704/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 | $57,600 | $57,600 | $31,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,500 | $33,500 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,700 | $27,700 | $27,425 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,200 | $25,200 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fayetteville, NC
- Student Body
- 1,448 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,704
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,050
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000