Methodist University provides college access for students who might not otherwise attend, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students in southeastern North Carolina.
The university's nursing program stands out with strong earnings outcomes, though overall financial returns remain modest compared to similar institutions.
Methodist University is a small private nonprofit institution in Fayetteville, North Carolina, serving about 39% Pell Grant recipients and 32% first-generation college students. The university provides broad access to higher education, with graduation rates that reflect the challenges many smaller private institutions face in supporting students to completion.
Methodist's strongest outcomes appear in specific programs, particularly nursing, where graduates earn around $56,234 ten years after enrollment. However, overall median earnings of $48,050 place the institution in the lower quartiles nationally for long-term financial returns. The university's business administration program, while enrolling the most students, shows more modest earnings outcomes at $37,363.
As a small private college, Methodist offers the close-knit community and individualized attention that many students value, though families should weigh these benefits against the financial realities. The institution serves an important role in providing access to higher education in southeastern North Carolina, particularly for students who might not otherwise attend college.
Methodist University's program portfolio shows the importance of major selection for financial outcomes. Nursing emerges as the clear standout, with 25 graduates earning a median of $56,234 ten years out, representing both strong individual outcomes and a reliable pathway to middle-class earnings in healthcare.
Business Administration enrolls the largest number of students with 71 graduates, making it Methodist's primary economic engine despite more modest earnings of $37,363. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, with 33 graduates, reflects the university's focus on health-related fields but shows lower early-career earnings at $26,353.
The concentration in healthcare and business programs aligns with regional workforce needs in southeastern North Carolina. However, the significant earnings gap between nursing and other popular programs underscores how program choice can dramatically affect financial outcomes for Methodist graduates.
Methodist University graduates earn a median of $48,050 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower quartiles nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. The university shows negative value-added earnings, meaning graduates typically earn less than similar students at other institutions, reflecting challenges in translating educational investment into strong financial returns.
Outcomes vary significantly by program choice. Nursing stands out as Methodist's strongest financial pathway, with graduates earning around $56,234 and representing one of the university's most reliable routes to solid middle-class earnings. Business Administration, the most popular major with 71 graduates, leads to more modest outcomes at $37,363, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates earn around $26,353 early in their careers.
The university's small scale means fewer total graduates reach high-earning thresholds compared to larger institutions, with about 150 students earning above $75,000 annually. For students considering Methodist, program selection becomes particularly important given the wide variation in outcomes between fields like nursing and other popular majors.
Methodist University's affordability picture is challenging for most families. Low-income students face net prices around $21,803 annually, while middle-income families pay approximately $23,113, and higher-income families see costs rise to about $30,198. These prices place Methodist in the lower percentiles nationally for affordability, meaning most similar private institutions offer better value.
Debt levels compound the affordability concerns. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, and families often take on an additional $24,000 in Parent PLUS loans to cover remaining costs. While the university reports a 0% federal loan default rate, this metric doesn't capture the full picture of repayment challenges that graduates may face given the modest earnings outcomes relative to debt levels.
The combination of higher-than-average net prices and below-average earnings creates financial pressure for many Methodist families. Students and families should carefully consider whether the benefits of a small private college experience justify the financial investment, particularly when comparing costs and outcomes to public alternatives in North Carolina.
Methodist University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
