William Woods University offers the intimate, personalized education experience that many students seek at a small private college, with strong support for first-generation and transfer students.
The university maintains excellent loan repayment outcomes, though families should expect moderate earnings that reflect the service-oriented nature of many programs.
William Woods University is a small private nonprofit institution in Fulton, Missouri, that serves about 30% Pell Grant recipients and nearly 30% first-generation college students. The university offers a personalized educational experience with specialized programs, though its overall financial outcomes place it in the middle range nationally. With a 57% six-year graduation rate, William Woods provides steady completion rates for a small private college, particularly for students who benefit from close faculty mentorship and smaller class sizes.
The institution's strength lies in its specialized program offerings, including American Sign Language, business administration, and exercise science. While median earnings of $42,401 ten years after enrollment are modest compared to larger research universities, they reflect the university's focus on fields like education, social services, and specialized professional programs that often prioritize mission over maximum salary potential.
As a small private college in Missouri, William Woods offers the intimate campus experience that many students seek, with the trade-offs typical of smaller institutions. For students who thrive in close-knit academic communities and are drawn to the university's specialized programs, it provides a solid foundation for career entry, though families should expect moderate private college pricing and earnings outcomes that align with the institution's mission-driven program mix.
William Woods University's program portfolio centers on specialized fields that emphasize service and professional preparation rather than maximum earnings potential. American Sign Language leads both in enrollment and aggregate return, graduating 42 students who earn a median of $32,806 ten years out, reflecting the specialized nature of this field and the career opportunities it provides in education and interpretation services. Business Administration and Management, with 32 graduates earning $35,772, represents the university's largest traditional professional program and offers the strongest earnings potential among the major fields.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology, graduating 23 students with median earnings of $27,295, exemplifies the university's focus on health-related fields that often lead to careers in fitness, rehabilitation support, and wellness services. These programs reflect William Woods' commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that serve communities, though they typically offer moderate rather than high earnings potential.
The program mix at William Woods emphasizes depth in specialized areas rather than breadth across high-earning fields. Students choosing these programs should expect career paths that prioritize service and professional fulfillment, with earnings that support stable middle-class lifestyles rather than rapid wealth accumulation. The university's small size allows for intensive preparation in these specialized fields, though the trade-off is limited exposure to high-growth industries that drive earnings at larger research universities.
William Woods University graduates earn a median of $42,401 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 41st percentile nationally for long-term earnings. This reflects the university's focus on specialized fields and mission-driven careers rather than high-salary sectors. About 32 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, indicating that while top-tier earnings are possible, most students enter careers with moderate but stable income potential.
The university's program mix centers on specialized fields that often prioritize service over maximum earnings. American Sign Language stands out as both the highest aggregate return program and largest by enrollment, with 42 graduates earning a median of $32,806 ten years out. Business Administration and Management, with 32 graduates, produces median earnings of $35,772, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates 23 students who earn around $27,295. These programs reflect William Woods' commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in education, healthcare support, and specialized services.
While earnings outcomes are modest compared to large research universities, they align with the career paths that William Woods students typically pursue. The university's small size and specialized focus create opportunities for students to develop expertise in niche fields, though families should expect financial returns that reflect the service-oriented nature of many programs rather than high-growth industries.
William Woods University's private college pricing varies significantly by family income, with low-income students paying about $19,042 annually after aid, middle-income families seeing costs around $21,217, and higher-income families facing net prices of $25,809. These figures place the university in the lower portion of affordability rankings nationally, reflecting the typical cost structure of small private colleges that rely heavily on tuition revenue.
Debt levels are moderate for a private institution, with typical graduates carrying about $21,983 in federal student loans and families borrowing an average of $13,838 through Parent PLUS loans. The university maintains an exceptionally low default rate of just 0.1%, suggesting that while debt levels are meaningful, most graduates can manage their repayment obligations. The loan repayment trajectory shows that borrowers make steady progress, with about 13% of the debt balance paid off by year four, indicating consistent but gradual debt reduction.
For families considering William Woods, the affordability picture requires careful planning around the private college premium. While financial aid helps reduce sticker prices, particularly for lower-income students, the net costs remain substantial compared to public alternatives. The key consideration is whether the personalized education and specialized programs justify the higher investment given the moderate earnings outcomes typical of graduates.
William Woods University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
