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Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

CMU - CLAS

Fayette, Missouri 65248-1198

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Tight-knitRuralGreek life

Known for health sciences — close-knit campus

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a private institution in Fayette with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1090, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A small campus of 1K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.

53% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $48,991 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $25,477.

Established
1867
Motto
δωρεὰν ἐλάβετε, δωρεὰν δότε
Type
Private university
Conference
NCAA Division III
Division
Division III

Plan Your Visit

88%Acceptance
1090SAT Avg
1,015Students
11:1Student:Faculty
53%Grad Rate
$48,991Earnings 10yr
$25,477Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate87.9%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1090

Reading & WritingMid: 501
488553
MathMid: 513
553585

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 21
1924

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$27,140
Room & Board$8,910
Books & Supplies$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance$43,890
Average Net Price$25,477
Median Debt at Graduation$17,619
Monthly Payment (10yr)$187

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$22,570
$30–48K$24,407
$48–75K$24,195
$75–110K$28,138
$110K+$28,601

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

36.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

2.9%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$13,292

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

6

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

1

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

1

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

2

Drug Arrests

2

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (64)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

65%

Below Average

Student Body

Undergrads
1,015
Gender Split
54% / 46%
Women / Men
First Generation
44%
Pell Grant Recipients
37%

Race & Ethnicity

White 64%
Black 12%
Hispanic 8%
Asian 1%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 8%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate52.5%
Freshman Retention64.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$43,860
10 Years$48,991

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#83
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#57
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Rangers and

Fencing associationFencing conference

History & Fun Facts

  • History 19th century Mead Hall was purchased by Daniel Drew in 1867, who donated it to start a Methodist theological seminary.
  • In 1866, railroad "robber baron" Daniel Drew approached church leaders during the Methodist Centenary Celebration with an offer to build, equip, and endow a theological seminary near New York City.
  • Drew asked that his pastor, John McClintock, be appointed the seminary's first president.
  • Instruction began under McClintock's direction as both president and professor of practical theology after the first students were admitted in 1867.
  • 1880–1890 The courtyard of Brothers College, built in 1928 Samuel W.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

88Low

Estimated from MO state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Kansas Citypop. 500K
102 mi(177 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
138 mi(239 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
326 mi(565 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MCI Kansas City109 mi
STL St Louis127 mi
ORD Chicago O'Hare318 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1150 mi · ~33h 13m drive
New York, NY994 mi · ~28h 43m drive
Hartford, CT1065 mi · ~30h 46m drive
Providence, RI1130 mi · ~32h 39m drive
Albany, NY1015 mi · ~29h 19m drive
Syracuse, NY900 mi · ~26h drive
Rochester, NY830 mi · ~23h 59m drive
Buffalo, NY764 mi · ~22h 4m drive
Philadelphia, PA934 mi · ~26h 59m drive
Pittsburgh, PA679 mi · ~19h 37m drive
Harrisburg, PA842 mi · ~24h 19m drive
Newark, NJ985 mi · ~28h 27m drive
Washington, DC839 mi · ~24h 14m drive
Baltimore, MD859 mi · ~24h 49m drive
Atlanta, GA593 mi · ~17h 8m drive
Charlotte, NC705 mi · ~20h 22m drive
Raleigh, NC804 mi · ~23h 14m drive
Miami, FL1175 mi · ~33h 57m drive
Orlando, FL977 mi · ~28h 13m drive
Tampa, FL971 mi · ~28h 3m drive
Nashville, TN383 mi · ~11h 4m drive
New Orleans, LA653 mi · ~18h 52m drive
Richmond, VA833 mi · ~24h 4m drive
Chicago, IL326 mi · ~9h 25m drive
Detroit, MI550 mi · ~15h 53m drive
Minneapolis, MN404 mi · ~11h 40m drive
St. Louis, MO138 mi · ~3h 59m drive
Kansas City, MO102 mi · ~2h 57m drive
Indianapolis, IN351 mi · ~10h 8m drive
Columbus, OH519 mi · ~15h drive
Cleveland, OH601 mi · ~17h 22m drive
Milwaukee, WI366 mi · ~10h 34m drive
Dallas, TX497 mi · ~14h 21m drive
Houston, TX666 mi · ~19h 14m drive
Austin, TX677 mi · ~19h 33m drive
San Antonio, TX749 mi · ~21h 38m drive
Los Angeles, CA1455 mi · ~42h 2m drive
San Francisco, CA1604 mi · ~46h 20m drive
San Diego, CA1434 mi · ~41h 26m drive
Seattle, WA1587 mi · ~45h 51m drive
Portland, OR1583 mi · ~45h 44m drive
Denver, CO657 mi · ~18h 59m drive
Phoenix, AZ1146 mi · ~33h 6m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1021 mi · ~29h 30m drive
Honolulu, HI3994 mi · ~115h 23m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

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