Webster University
Webster University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Webster University at a Glance
Webster University is a private university with its main campus in Webster Groves, Missouri, United States as well as campuses in Europe and Asia. The university has an alumni network of around 200,000 graduates worldwide.
1915
111 years old
$66M
$66.3 million (2025)
7,606
175
47 acres
Identity
Is Webster University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Webster University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $50,876 — 5% below average — while paying $27,047/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.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Webster University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Webster University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #92 of 146 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 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #92 | Webster University | 29 | $27,047 | $50,876 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Webster University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MO.
Best Programs at Webster University
The highest-earning program at Webster University is Computer Science at $54,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $19,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Science graduate from Webster University earns $54,600, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $19,800. 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: Computer Science graduates carry $24,203 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,047/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 Science | $54,600 | $54,600 | $24,203 |
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) | $41,800 | $41,800 | $26,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,100 | $37,100 | $23,035 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $34,900 | $34,900 | $24,500 |
| Education, General | $33,700 | $33,700 | $25,431 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $27,300 | $27,300 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,400 | $26,400 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,200 | $26,200 | $23,500 |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | $21,700 | $21,700 | $26,785 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $21,600 | $21,600 | $26,435 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $21,100 | $21,100 | $24,812 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $19,800 | $19,800 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Saint Louis, MO
- Student Body
- 2,304 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,047
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,876
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000