William Woods University
William Woods University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is William Woods University Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, William Woods University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,401 — 21% below average — while paying $26,569/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
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.
With median debt of $21,983 representing 52% 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 William Woods University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How William Woods University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MO
Ranked #84 of 131 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 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #3 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #4 | Louisiana Christian University | 42 | $13,113 | $51,700 |
| #5 | Huntington University | 40 | $19,310 | $46,672 |
| #6 | Evangel University | 40 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| #84 | William Woods University | 21 | $26,569 | $42,401 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of William Woods University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in MO.
Best Programs at William Woods University
The highest-earning program at William Woods University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $35,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services at $17,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from William Woods University earns $35,100, while a Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services graduate earns $17,300. 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: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $19,530 in median debt vs. $25,830 for Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,569/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,100 | $35,100 | $19,530 |
| American Sign Language | $30,600 | $30,600 | $18,576 |
| Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services | $17,300 | $17,300 | $25,830 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fulton, MO
- Student Body
- 1,300 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,569
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,401
- Median Student Debt
- $21,983