Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Central Methodist University's College of Graduate and Extended Studies serves working adults and graduate students seeking flexible degree options in Fayette, Missouri.
Fayette, Missouri
About Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Central Methodist University's College of Graduate and Extended Studies is a private institution in Fayette, Missouri, designed to serve graduate and adult learners. The college focuses on providing accessible pathways to advanced degrees for working professionals and non-traditional students. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official website: centralmethodist.edu
- Acceptance
- 87.5%
- Graduation
- 47.1%
- Net Price
- $14,601
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,991
- Enrollment
- 2,092
- Student : Faculty
- 17:1
How It Measures Up
The university earns a Fair overall rating (57.25 out of 100) in the A peer group of four-year selective institutions. Its strengths center on affordability and access, though outcomes metrics show room for improvement.
Admissions & Acceptance Rate
With an 87.5% acceptance rate, Central Methodist's graduate program maintains an open admissions philosophy focused on serving adult learners regardless of standardized test scores.
5-Year Admission Trend
Acceptance rate over the last five admission cycles. The trend tells you whether Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies is getting harder, easier, or staying about the same.
Cost & Financial Aid
Tuition is $7,440 per year for all students. The average net price for students from low-income families is $14,601 after grants and aid. This net price reflects the federal Cost of Attendance which includes estimated living expenses beyond direct tuition charges.
Full Cost Breakdown
Published cost of attendance, the sticker price before grants and scholarships. Most students underestimate room & board and other expenses.
- Tuition & Fees
- $7,440
- Room & Board (off-campus)
- $8,742
- Books & Supplies
- $1,600
- Other Expenses (off-campus)
- $6,052
- Total Cost of Attendance
- $22,310
Debt at Graduation
Cumulative federal-loan debt across the full borrowing distribution. The 10th and 90th percentiles bracket the typical range; the median sits in the middle.
Median Debt by Student Type
Median federal-loan debt at graduation broken down by demographic. Each slice's size is proportional to the dollar amount that group typically borrows.
Graduation Rate & Retention
The college does not report a traditional graduation rate, as many students are part-time or working adults pursuing degrees on flexible timelines. The retention rate stands at 52.83%, reflecting typical patterns for non-traditional student populations.
After Graduation: Earnings & Outcomes
Graduates earn a median of $43,860 six years after enrollment and $48,991 ten years after enrollment. About 81.34% of graduates exceed the earnings threshold for their education level.
Earnings Growth After Graduation
Median annual earnings 6, 8, and 10 years after students first enrolled.
Earnings by Demographic
Mean annual earnings 10 years after entry, segmented by demographic. Reveals gaps the headline median can't show.
By Gender
Median earnings for female grads ten years after first enrolling here.
Median earnings for male grads ten years after first enrolling here.
By Family Income at Entry
Earnings of grads from the bottom-third of family incomes at entry.
Earnings of grads from the middle-third of family incomes at entry.
Earnings of grads from the top-third of family incomes at entry.
Loan Repayment Progression
Share of completer-cohort borrowers paying down at least $1 of principal at the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-year mark. Climbing rates show graduates settling into careers and managing debt; flat or declining rates are a warning.
Who Studies Here
The student body is 74.76% white and 12.24% Black. About 43.73% of students are first-generation college attendees, reflecting the college's mission to serve underrepresented populations in higher education.
Race & Ethnicity Breakdown
Undergraduate student body composition reported to the US Department of Education.
Student Life & Campus Culture
Where students live, learn, and connect at Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies. The campus setting, housing profile, and signals that shape day-to-day life here.
What You Can Study
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies offers a varied set of programs: 38 distinct programs across 15 majors. Below are its strongest majors, each with flagship programs and typical earnings. Open a major to explore it in depth, or browse the full program catalog.
- Nursing $89K ($68K–$114K)
- Health Professions $68K ($48K–$89K)
- Health Professions Education $87K ($57K–$130K)
- Business $68K ($48K–$95K)
- Accounting $76K ($56K–$97K)
- Management Sciences $86K ($62K–$115K)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $56K ($40K–$72K)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $56K ($40K–$72K)
- Computer Science $107K ($75K–$152K)
- Information Systems $92K ($64K–$128K)
- Computer Systems Networking $74K ($51K–$102K)
Faculty & Resources
Full-time faculty comprise 100% of instructional staff. This may reflect how the college classifies its instructional positions rather than a literal absence of part-time instructors. The college invests $2,251 per student in instruction.
Faculty by Rank
17 instructional faculty across 3 ranks. The rank mix shows how many senior faculty are teaching versus contingent or junior staff, with average salary equated to a 9-month contract.
| Rank | Faculty Count | Share | Avg Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Professors | 2 | 12% | $69,087 |
| Associate Professors | 9 | 53% | $59,087 |
| Assistant Professors | 6 | 35% | $45,075 |
Pros & Cons of Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Central Methodist's greatest strength is its low tuition ($7,440) and accessibility to working adults through flexible scheduling and open admissions. The primary concern is the lack of traditional graduation rate data and lower retention rates, which may reflect the challenges of serving part-time and working student populations.
- Below-average net price
- Accessible admissions for most applicants
- First-gen-friendly student body
- Flexible part-time enrollment options
- Class sizes are on the higher side
- Below-average completion rate
- First-year retention is below typical
- Mostly part-time student body, less full-time campus feel
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies
Find answers to common questions about costs, admissions, outcomes, and what makes Central Methodist's graduate program distinctive.