Park University
Park University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Park University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Park University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,309 — 5% above average — while paying $21,032/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 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 Park University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Park University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MO
Ranked #172 of 194 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 Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | University of Tulsa | 74 | $15,000 | $61,408 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #6 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #172 | Park University | 23 | $21,032 | $56,309 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Park 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 Park University
The highest-earning program at Park University is Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at $53,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Research and Experimental Psychology at $32,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduate from Park University earns $53,100, while a Research and Experimental Psychology graduate earns $32,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates carry $16,844 in median debt vs. $23,862 for Research and Experimental Psychology.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,032/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | $53,100 | $53,100 | $16,844 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $49,300 | $49,300 | $22,062 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,600 | $41,600 | $20,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $41,600 | $41,600 | $24,344 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,900 | $32,900 | $20,396 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $32,000 | $32,000 | $23,862 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Parkville, MO
- Student Body
- 4,555 students
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,032
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,309
- Median Student Debt
- $21,685