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

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

The verdict

Westminster College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,256 in 25.3 years versus 144.3 years at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on median earnings of $52,199 vs $48,991 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and SciencesWestminster College
Net price / yr$22,766$24,314
Total net cost$91,064$97,256
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,991$52,199
Median debt$17,619$27,000
Payback144.3 yrs25.3 yrs
20-year net return-$78,444-$20,476

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

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

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at $22,766 a year after aid versus $24,314 — a gap of $1,548 a year, or $6,192 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 Liberal Arts and Sciences or Westminster College graduates earn more?

Westminster College graduates report a median $52,199 ten years after entry, $3,208 more than the $48,991 at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

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

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: its completers carry a median $17,619 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Westminster College, a difference of $9,381. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Westminster College, against 51% at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 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 Liberal Arts and Sciences vs Westminster College: frequently asked questions

Is Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or Westminster College a better value?
Westminster College. It clears its $97,256 net cost in about 25.3 years versus 144.3 years at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on median earnings of $52,199 vs $48,991 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or Westminster College?
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: $22,766/yr net price after aid versus $24,314/yr at Westminster College — a difference of $1,548 a year, or about $6,192 over four years.
Do Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or Westminster College graduates earn more?
Westminster College graduates earn a median $52,199 ten years after entry, versus $48,991 at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — a $3,208 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.