Students at Park University achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning roughly $14,300 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, demonstrates the university's effectiveness in translating practical education into meaningful career advancement.
Park University ranks as a solid mid-tier option among private nonprofit institutions, delivering reliable outcomes for students seeking practical, career-focused education. Located in Parkville, Missouri, this medium-sized university has built its reputation around serving non-traditional students, with nearly 48% of undergraduates being first-generation college students and about 32% transferring in from other institutions. The university's approach emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, making higher education attainable for working adults and students with diverse life circumstances.
What distinguishes Park University is its ability to generate strong earnings outcomes relative to expectations. Graduates earn a median of $56,309 ten years after enrollment, but more importantly, they achieve earnings that are roughly $14,306 higher than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings advantage reflects the university's focus on practical, job-relevant programs and its success in connecting students with meaningful career opportunities.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," Park University combines broad access with solid upward mobility outcomes. The institution serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients while maintaining graduation rates and earnings that support real economic progress. For students seeking a straightforward path to career advancement without the complexity or cost of more traditional four-year experiences, Park University offers a compelling value proposition grounded in practical outcomes and financial accessibility.
Park University's program portfolio reflects its mission of providing practical, career-focused education that translates directly into workplace success. Business Administration and Management dominates the landscape with 544 graduates earning median salaries of $42,961, representing the university's largest and most economically significant program. This substantial enrollment demonstrates both student demand and employer recognition of Park's business graduates in the regional job market.
Information Resources Management stands out as the highest-earning program, with 64 graduates achieving median earnings of $61,020. This specialized field reflects Park University's strength in technology-related business applications, preparing students for roles that command premium salaries in today's digital economy. Behavioral Neuroscience, with 233 graduates earning $32,658, represents a popular pathway that combines scientific training with practical applications, though at more moderate salary levels.
Even programs at the lower end of the earnings spectrum, such as Corrections Administration with graduates earning $35,274, provide viable career pathways in public service fields. The university's program mix emphasizes practical skills and direct career preparation rather than theoretical or research-focused approaches. This career-oriented focus helps explain why Park graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as their education aligns closely with employer needs and workplace requirements across diverse professional fields.
Park University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $56,309, placing the institution around the national average for earnings outcomes. More significantly, graduates earn approximately $14,306 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in translating education into meaningful career advancement. This earnings advantage reflects Park's focus on practical, job-relevant programs that connect directly to employer needs.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its business and information management programs. Business Administration and Management, the largest program with 544 graduates, produces median earnings of $42,961 and represents the highest aggregate return due to its substantial enrollment. Information Resources Management stands out with the highest individual earnings at $61,020, though with a smaller cohort of 64 graduates. Behavioral Neuroscience, with 233 graduates earning $32,658, represents a popular pathway but with more moderate financial returns. Even programs like Corrections Administration, at the lower end of the earnings spectrum with $35,274, still provide viable career pathways for students interested in public service fields.
Park University's earnings performance demonstrates particular strength in preparing students for steady, middle-class careers rather than exceptional high-earning outliers. The consistent earnings advantage across programs suggests that the university's practical, career-focused approach translates effectively into workplace success, making it a reliable choice for students prioritizing financial stability and career advancement over prestige or exceptional earning potential.
Park University maintains strong affordability across all income levels, making private education accessible to a broad range of families. Low-income students pay approximately $13,719 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,902, and higher-income students pay about $18,018. These net prices represent solid value for a private nonprofit institution, particularly given the university's track record of delivering earnings that exceed expectations. The relatively modest variation across income bands reflects a pricing structure that remains predictable and manageable for most families.
The university's financial aid approach emphasizes making education accessible rather than creating significant cost barriers. With nearly 39% of students receiving Pell Grants and substantial first-generation enrollment, Park University has structured its pricing to serve students who might otherwise find private education financially out of reach. The institution's focus on working adults and transfer students also means that many students can leverage prior credits and work experience to reduce time to degree completion, further enhancing the overall value proposition.
Park University's affordability story extends beyond sticker price to include flexible program delivery and credit recognition policies that help students minimize both direct costs and opportunity costs. The university's emphasis on practical, career-relevant education means students can often apply their learning immediately in the workplace, creating value even before graduation. This combination of reasonable net prices and immediate practical application makes Park University particularly attractive for students seeking education that pays for itself relatively quickly.
Park University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
