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Conception Seminary College

Conception, MO | Private Nonprofit | College

Conception Seminary College is a private nonprofit university in Conception, MO ranked #981 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 40 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 31.8%. Students most often pursue Philosophy.

Day to day, students benefit from a 4:1 student-faculty ratio, 75.0% first-year retention, and 50.0% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

Families typically invest $24,558, about $7,560 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.0%, roughly 151.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $33,606. That's about $10,082 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.

B
Ranking
#981 of 6,101
How We Rank Schools Small campus feel

Conception Seminary College has an acceptance rate of 31.8%, annual tuition of $26,206, average net price of $24,558, and a national rank of #981 (Grade B), with a 50.0% six-year graduation rate, about 40 undergraduates, and median earnings of $33,606 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

At a Glance
Ranking
#981 of 6,101 (Top 16.1%)
Tuition
$26,206
Net Price
$24,558
4-Year Tuition
$104,824
Acceptance Rate
31.8%
Transfer Rate
0.0%
Student Population
40
Student-Faculty
4:1
Graduation Rate
50.0%
Retention Rate
75.0%
6-Yr Earnings
$33,606
ROI
-50.0%

Who is Conception Seminary College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#981 of 6,101
Top 16.1% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
49.5 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
2.48 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B-
#1,119 of 6,101
Affordability
C+
#1,584 of 6,101
Support
A-
#223 of 6,101
Career Outcomes
B
#994 of 6,101

Conception Seminary College graduates 50.0% of students within six years and keeps 75.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$22,728-$24,558 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Somewhat likely
50.0% finish within six years. 50.0% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
100.0% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $33,606. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Conception Seminary College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$170,792
$42,698 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$110,511
$24,558 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 50.0% | 6-Year Rate: 50.0%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 50.0% and six-year completion is 50.0%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$42,698
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$24,558
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $26,206
Books and Supplies $650
On-Campus Room and Board $15,590
On-Campus Other Expenses $1,850
Total On-Campus Cost $42,698

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
19.5%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 19.5% of Conception Seminary College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$22,728
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$30,053
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$75,001 - $110,000
$22,724
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $22,728 to $22,724 depending on family income. Use Conception Seminary College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$102,276
$30K-$48K families
~$135,238
$75K-$110K families
~$102,258

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-50.0%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $33,606
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $33,606
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt Not reported
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
  • Employment Rate 100.0%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Conception Seminary College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $33,606 six years after enrollment — roughly 23% below the national median.
Payback Period
3.29 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Conception Seminary College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Conception Seminary College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Conception Seminary College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Conception Seminary College graduates earn $33,606 median, the -65.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
31.8%
Moderately Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 1-5
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 40
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 75.0%
  • Graduation Rate 50.0%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 4:1

How to Get Into Conception Seminary College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Conception Seminary College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 31.8%, Conception Seminary College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: Conception Seminary College accepts 31.8% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Conception Seminary College undergraduates. Philosophy and Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other draw the most students.

  • Philosophy 100.0%
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other 0.0%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Philosophy $38,200

Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Conception Seminary College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Philosophy (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 1 graduates)
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 0 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)
  • Theological and Ministerial Studies

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 40
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 100.0%
  • Female Students 0.0%
  • Caucasian 65.0%
  • Asian 0.0%
  • Hispanic 27.5%
  • Black 5.0%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 19.5%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Conception Seminary College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Conception Seminary College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Conception Seminary College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Men make up 100.0% of undergraduates. About 19.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Conception Seminary College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Conception Seminary College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -65.8% ROI. Ranked #981 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $24,558 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $33,606 median earnings. With 50.0% graduating within six years and 75.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: Conception Seminary College's Positioning

With a B grade and #981 ranking, Conception Seminary College competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $24,558 annually, Conception Seminary College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 75.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,191 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -65.8% ROI and $33,606 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,558+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: Conception Seminary College ranks #981 of 6101 institutions, with 1510 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 50.0% six-year graduation rate sits 12.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 75.0% first-year retention is 1.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -65.8% return on investment is 151.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $33,606 run about 23% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $24,558 is roughly $7,161 higher than the national median of $17,397.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 4:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 75.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 100.0% employment rate within three years sits 31.8 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $24,558 is about $7,161 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Pell participation at 19.5% trails the national share by 19.6 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Conception Seminary College is a private nonprofit university based in Conception, MO and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #981 among 6101 schools Category results include Completion (B-), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C+).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 75.0% retention and 50.0% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -65.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $24,558 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $42,698.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,140 per year.

Federal loan data is not available for this institution.

About 19.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Graduates report median earnings of about $33,606 six years after entry. This is roughly 23% below typical U.S. college outcomes.

Roughly 100.0% of graduates are employed three years out.

EDsmart lists the ROI at -65.8%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

31.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Conception Seminary College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
2.48 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Conception Seminary College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Conception Seminary College Website →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conception Seminary College's acceptance rate?

Conception Seminary College's acceptance rate is 31.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Conception Seminary College cost?

At Conception Seminary College, listed tuition and fees are $26,206 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,558. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Conception Seminary College's ranking?

Conception Seminary College ranks #981 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Conception Seminary College's graduation rate?

At Conception Seminary College, the six-year graduation rate is 50.0%, and first-year retention is 75.0%.

What are Conception Seminary College's job outcomes?

Graduates of Conception Seminary College report median earnings of $33,606 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Conception Seminary College's student population?

Conception Seminary College enrolls about 40 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$8.4M

Data Source & Methodology