University of Central Missouri vs Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: which has better ROI?
University of Central Missouri has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,848 in 48.2 years versus 144.3 years at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on median earnings of $49,560 vs $48,991 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Central Missouri | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,462 | $22,766 |
| Total net cost | $57,848 | $91,064 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,560 | $48,991 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $17,619 |
| Payback | 48.2 yrs | 144.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$33,848 | -$78,444 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Central Missouri or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
University of Central Missouri, at $14,462 a year after aid versus $22,766 — a gap of $8,304 a year, or $33,216 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Central Missouri or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn more?
University of Central Missouri graduates report a median $49,560 ten years after entry, $569 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, University of Central Missouri or Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: its completers carry a median $17,619 in federal loans versus $21,000 at University of Central Missouri, a difference of $3,381. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at University of Central Missouri, 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.