Methodist University
Methodist University is a private nonprofit university in Fayetteville, NC ranked #1413 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 1,425 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 75.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Biology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 64.7% first-year retention, and 40.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $24,978, about $7,980 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -5942.4%, roughly 6027.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,540. That's about $3,148 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.
Who is Methodist University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Methodist University graduates 40.2% of students within six years and keeps 64.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Methodist 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 | $39,664 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,586 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,650 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,585 |
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 38.7% of Methodist 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 $21,803 to $30,198 depending on family income. Use Methodist University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,208/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,198/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,540
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,540
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.3%
- Employment Rate 81.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Methodist 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.
Methodist University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Methodist University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Methodist University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Methodist University graduates earn $40,540 median, the -59.4% 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 550-630
- SAT Math 560-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,425
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 64.7%
- Graduation Rate 40.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Methodist University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Methodist 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 75.2%, Methodist University is relatively open. 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: With a 75.2% acceptance rate, Methodist University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Methodist University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Health and Physical Education/Fitness, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.9%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 7.9%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.4%
- Fire Protection 6.2%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.0%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 5.5%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.8%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.5%
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. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $75,899
- 2. Biology, General $63,580
- 3. Accounting and Related Services $63,419
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $53,790
- 5. Social Work $50,853
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $46,228
- 7. Marketing $45,698
- 8. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $41,349
- 9. Fire Protection $30,637
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $123,656
- 2. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $85,105
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $79,048
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $73,105
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $75,899—148% more than Fire Protection ($30,637). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $123,656 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Methodist 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 33 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 27 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 (46 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Fire Protection
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Social Work
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Political Science and Government
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Security Science and Technology
- Psychology, Other
- Mathematics
- Industrial Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- History
- Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Education, Other
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Second Language Learning
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,425
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 55.5%
- Female Students 44.5%
- Caucasian 46.4%
- Asian 1.1%
- Hispanic 10.2%
- Black 22.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Methodist University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Methodist University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Methodist University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Methodist University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Methodist University has a diverse student body, with 46.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Methodist University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Methodist University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Methodist University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -59.4% ROI. Ranked #1413 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,978 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $40,540 median earnings. With 40.2% graduating within six years and 64.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Methodist University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1413 ranking, Methodist University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,978 annually, Methodist University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 64.7% 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 $17,485 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -59.4% ROI and $40,540 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,978+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Methodist University ranks #1413 of 6275 institutions, with 1392 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
- 40.2% six-year graduation rate sits 22.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 64.7% first-year retention is 12.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -59.4% return on investment is 144.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,540 run about 7% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,978 is roughly $4,845 higher than the national median of $20,133.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 64.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 81.0% employment rate within three years sits 12.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,978 is about $4,845 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 38.7% 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.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Methodist University is a private nonprofit university based in Fayetteville, NC and earns a B- overall grade. It holds a #1413 national ranking Completion earns D, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability D+.
About 64.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 40.2% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -59.4% 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.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,978 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,585.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,607 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.7% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $40,540 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 7% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 81.0%.
The ROI comes in near -59.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
75.2% 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 Methodist 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 Fayetteville, NC 28311-1420
- Website www.methodist.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$40.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate42.1%