Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

About Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Central Methodist University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a private liberal arts college located in Fayette, Missouri. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and serves approximately 1,040 undergraduate students. The college focuses on providing a comprehensive liberal arts education with emphasis on student engagement and career preparation.

Official website: centralmethodist.edu

Acceptance

56.9%

Graduation

47.1%

Net Price

$22,766

Median Earnings (10yr)

$48,991

Enrollment

1,040

Student : Faculty

11:1

How It Measures Up

The college scores 53.94 on the UCD scale, placing it in the Average range among similar four-year selective institutions. This reflects balanced performance across affordability, value, outcomes, and selectivity metrics relative to peer colleges.

Admissions & Acceptance Rate

Central Methodist admits approximately 57% of applicants, making it a moderately selective institution. The college does not require standardized test scores for admission decisions.

5-Year Admission Trend

Acceptance rate over the last five admission cycles. The trend tells you whether Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is getting harder, easier, or staying about the same.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition is $28,260 per year, with room and board adding $9,450. The average net price is $22,766 after accounting for grants and aid. Net prices vary by family income, ranging from $20,260 for families earning $0-$30k to $27,411 for families earning over $110k. Lower-income students receive more grant aid, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket costs.

Full Cost Breakdown

Published cost of attendance, the sticker price before grants and scholarships. Most students underestimate room & board and other expenses.

Tuition & Fees

$28,260

Room & Board (on-campus)

$9,450

Room & Board (off-campus)

$8,504

Books & Supplies

$1,000

Other Expenses (on-campus)

$7,980

Other Expenses (off-campus)

$7,980

Total Cost of Attendance

$43,635

Net Price by Family Income

Aid is need-based, so net price varies by family income. Here's what each bracket typically pays after grants and scholarships.

• Under $30,000
  $20,260
• $30,001 – $48,000
  $18,894
• $48,001 – $75,000
  $20,680
• $75,001 – $110,000
  $23,883
• Over $110,000
  $27,411

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

Central Methodist has a graduation rate of 51% and a retention rate of 63%. These figures are lower than many four-year institutions, suggesting that many students do not complete their degrees on the traditional six-year timeline.

After Graduation: Earnings & Outcomes

Six years after enrollment, median earnings are $43,860, rising to $48,991 ten years after enrollment. About 81% of students earn above the earnings threshold typically associated with high school completion.

Earnings by Demographic

Mean annual earnings 10 years after entry, segmented by demographic. Reveals gaps the headline median can't show.

By Gender

By Family Income 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 61% white, 15% Black, 8% Hispanic, and 1% Asian. About 44% of students are first-generation college students, and 40% receive Pell Grants.

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 Liberal Arts and Sciences. The campus setting, housing profile, and signals that shape day-to-day life here.

What You Can Study

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a varied set of programs: 38 distinct programs across 19 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.

Faculty & Resources

All instructional faculty are full-time, indicating strong institutional commitment to teaching and student interaction. The college spends $13,771 per student on instruction and academic support.

Faculty by Rank

78 instructional faculty across 4 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.

Pros & Cons of Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Central Methodist's main strength is its affordability; the college provides significant need-based aid that brings net costs well below sticker price for lower-income families, and its endowment of $150 million supports financial stability. The primary concern is the 51% graduation rate, which is notably below the 60% range common for four-year colleges; this suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees within the traditional timeframe.