Cost & ROI · 2026
Is Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences worth it?
Pay $22,766/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $48,991 ten years out — about 2.2× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences vs Missouri avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical Missouri college and the typical US college.
| Metric | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Missouri avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $22,766 | $17,622 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $48,991 | $48,522 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▲ $17,619 | $18,954 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▲ 51.2% | 51% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | ▼ 56.9% | 72.6% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $174,540 over four years. Most students get $20,869/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $17,619 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 36% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're well below that threshold.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences grad earns about $159,640 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The average student at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences pays $22,766 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $43,635 published sticker price. That is above the MO average net price of $17,622.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $48,991 — above the MO median of $48,522. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as an exceptional investment.
Typical graduates borrow about $17,619, roughly $191 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a manageable load at about 36% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper Missouri colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Rolla, MO · Public Missouri University of Science and Technology A 
Kirksville, MO · Public Truman State University A Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $22,766 per year. That's $20,869/yr in financial aid against the $43,635 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $91,064.
How much do Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn a median of $48,991 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 2.2× the annual net cost.
How much debt do Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $17,619 — about $191/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 61.1% of students take federal loans.
Is Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences a value grade of D — top 76% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $22,766/yr, earn $48,991/yr ten years out, ROI score of 5.38. Exceptional Investment.
What financial aid is available at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
40.3% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 61.1% take federal student loans. On average, students get $20,869 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
In-state tuition is $28,260 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $28,260 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $20,260. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $27,411. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →