Park University
Park University is a private nonprofit university in Parkville, MO ranked #1515 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, and enrolling about 5,250 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Computer Software and Media Applications and Management Information Systems and Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 57.5% first-year retention, and 30.0% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $15,529, about $1,469 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -18.6%, roughly 103.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,550. That's about $6,862 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Park University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Park University graduates 30.0% of students within six years and keeps 57.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Park University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
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 | $16,400 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $8,978 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,714 |
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
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 38.6% of Park University students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,719 to $18,018 depending on family income. Use Park University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,737/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,018/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,550
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,550
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.4%
- Employment Rate 86.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Park University 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.
Park University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Park University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Park University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Park University graduates earn $50,550 median, the -18.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 5,250
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 57.5%
- Graduation Rate 30.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Park University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Park University 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 Not reported, Park University is 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.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Park University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Computer and Information Sciences, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 30.7%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 13.1%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 9.8%
- Human Resources Management and Services 8.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.2%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 3.8%
See more majors
- Management Information Systems and Services 3.6%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 2.5%
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. Computer Software and Media Applications $91,512
- 2. Management Information Systems and Services $88,597
- 3. Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $75,326
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services $72,271
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $66,635
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $66,013
- 7. Human Resources Management and Services $60,390
- 8. Computer and Information Sciences, General $59,664
- 9. Geography and Cartography $58,786
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,359
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $77,401
- 2. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $62,141
- 3. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $60,192
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $58,628
- 5. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $55,093
- 6. Social Work (Master's Degree) $49,077
- 7. Education, General (Master's Degree) $47,868
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $45,898
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $44,603
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Software and Media Applications grads earn $91,512—62% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($56,359). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $77,401 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Park University. 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
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 16 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 (16 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Work
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Engineering, Other
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Music
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,250
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 54.3%
- Female Students 45.7%
- Caucasian 41.4%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 23.4%
- Black 17.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Park University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Park University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Park University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Park University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Park University has a diverse student body, with 41.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Park University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Park University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Park University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -18.6% ROI. Ranked #1515 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $15,529 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $50,550 median earnings. With 30.0% graduating within six years and 57.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Park University's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1515 ranking, Park University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $15,529 annually, Park University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 57.5% 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 $10,870 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -18.6% ROI and $50,550 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $5,529+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Park University ranks #1515 of 6272 institutions, with 331 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
- 30.0% six-year graduation rate sits 32.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 57.5% first-year retention is 19.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -18.6% return on investment is 103.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,550 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,529 is roughly $1,589 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 57.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.3% employment rate within three years sits 18.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 38.6% trails the national share by 0.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Park University is a private nonprofit university based in Parkville, MO and earns a C+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #1515 nationally Category results include Completion (C), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B+).
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.
57.5% of learners come back after year one while 30.0% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -18.6% for this program.
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 $15,529 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,714.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,185 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.6% 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 $50,550 six years after entry. This is roughly 16% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 86.3%.
Plan around an ROI of about -18.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
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 Park University 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.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Parkville, MO 64152-3795
- Website www.park.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$52.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate38.4%