Business/Commerce at Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Central Methodist's business program produces graduates earning nearly $8,000 less than Missouri's typical business graduate one year out—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide. That means three-quarters of Missouri business programs deliver better early-career earnings, including every University of Missouri campus and several private alternatives like Columbia College and Lindenwood. Nationally, the gap is even starker, with graduates earning 17% below the median.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $22,732, it matches Missouri's median and sits below the national average. This keeps the program from becoming a truly concerning investment—graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary, which is manageable. The 18% earnings growth to $46,508 by year four suggests the degree provides a foundation for advancement, though even at that point graduates still trail the state median by about $1,200.

For Missouri families, this is the critical question: Is the accessibility (87% admission rate) worth the earnings tradeoff? If your child can gain admission to a University of Missouri campus or comparable alternative, those programs deliver $9,000-$16,000 more in first-year earnings for similar debt levels. Central Methodist might make sense for students who need the flexibility of its extended studies model, but for traditional students with options, stronger programs exist throughout the state at similar or lower cost.