Westminster College
Westminster College is a private nonprofit university in Fulton, MO ranked #974 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 638 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 79.2%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Day to day, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.0% first-year retention, and 55.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $24,314, about $7,316 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -57.9%, roughly 143.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,992. That's about $2,696 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.
Westminster College has an acceptance rate of 79.2%, annual tuition of $35,214, average net price of $24,314, and a national rank of #974 (Grade B), with a 55.5% six-year graduation rate, about 638 undergraduates, and median earnings of $40,992 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Westminster College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Westminster College graduates 55.5% of students within six years and keeps 71.0% 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 Westminster College'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 | $35,214 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,662 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,822 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $51,532 |
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 38.3% of Westminster College 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 $24,543 to $26,066 depending on family income. Use Westminster College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,957/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,066/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,992
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,992
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,463
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.0%
- Employment Rate 90.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Westminster 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.
Westminster College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Westminster College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Westminster College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Westminster College graduates earn $40,992 median, the -57.9% 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 480-630
- SAT Math 510-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 638
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.0%
- Graduation Rate 55.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Westminster College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Westminster 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 79.2%, Westminster College 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 79.2% acceptance rate, Westminster College 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 990 and 1250 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Westminster College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 15.3%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 9.6%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.6%
- Political Science and Government 6.2%
- Biology, General 5.3%
- Psychology, General 4.8%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.8%
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. Business Administration, Management and Operations $67,233
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $67,225
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,096
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $67,233—49% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,096). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Westminster 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 11 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 (47 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- International/Global Studies
- Business/Corporate Communications
- Mathematics
- History
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Physics
- International Business
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Health
- Psychology, Other
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Marketing
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Education, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 638
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 58.8%
- Female Students 41.2%
- Caucasian 75.2%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 5.8%
- Black 8.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Westminster College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Westminster College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Westminster College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Westminster College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 75.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Westminster College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Westminster College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Westminster College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -57.9% ROI. Ranked #974 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,314 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $40,992 median earnings. With 55.5% graduating within six years and 71.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Westminster College's Positioning
With a B grade and #974 ranking, Westminster College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,314 annually, Westminster College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.0% 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 $17,020 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -57.9% ROI and $40,992 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,314+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Westminster College ranks #974 of 6101 institutions, with 1308 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
- 55.5% six-year graduation rate sits 7.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.0% first-year retention is 5.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -57.9% return on investment is 143.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,992 run about 6% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,314 is roughly $6,917 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.8% employment rate within three years sits 22.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,314 is about $6,917 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 38.3% trails the national share by 0.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Westminster College, a private nonprofit university in Fulton, MO, secures a B grade in our latest review. It holds a #974 national ranking Completion earns B-, Support B, 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.
About 71.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 55.5% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -57.9% 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 $24,314 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $51,532.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,218 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,463 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.3% 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 $40,992 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 6% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.8%.
The ROI comes in near -57.9%, 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
79.2% 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 Westminster 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.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westminster College's acceptance rate?
Westminster College's acceptance rate is 79.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Westminster College cost?
At Westminster College, listed tuition and fees are $35,214 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,314. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Westminster College's ranking?
Westminster College ranks #974 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Westminster College's graduation rate?
At Westminster College, the six-year graduation rate is 55.5%, and first-year retention is 71.0%.
What are Westminster College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Westminster College report median earnings of $40,992 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Westminster College's student population?
Westminster College enrolls about 638 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Fulton, MO 65251-1299
- Website www.wcmo.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$59.3M