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Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies vs Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Fayette MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Fayette MO

The verdict

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,404 in 92.6 years versus 144.3 years at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on median earnings of $48,991 vs $48,991 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesCentral Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Net price / yr$14,601$22,766
Total net cost$58,404$91,064
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,991$48,991
Median debt$17,619$17,619
Payback92.6 yrs144.3 yrs
20-year net return-$45,784-$78,444

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies, at $14,601 a year after aid versus $22,766 — a gap of $8,165 a year, or $32,660 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $48,991 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

Which leaves students with less debt, Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?

Completers at both borrow a median $17,619, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

51% of students finish at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, against 0% at Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies vs Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: frequently asked questions

Is Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences a better value?
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies. It clears its $58,404 net cost in about 92.6 years versus 144.3 years at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on median earnings of $48,991 vs $48,991 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies: $14,601/yr net price after aid versus $22,766/yr at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — a difference of $8,165 a year, or about $32,660 over four years.
Do Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn more?
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies graduates earn a median $48,991 ten years after entry, versus $48,991 at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.