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William Woods University

Fulton, MO·Private nonprofit·1,061 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. a private nonprofit school with 1,061 students.

74%
Accept
1,061
Students
$22,270
Net Price
57%
Grad Rate
$40,300
Earnings
10 yr
$14,425
Debt

About This School

William Woods University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fulton, Missouri with approximately 1,061 undergraduate students enrolled. William Woods University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 74%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,270 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, and the typical graduate earns $40,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

William Woods University is a private university in Fulton, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1870, the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Expanding its mission to address the need for graduate and adult-oriented programs, the institution became known as William Woods University in 1993. It began offering graduate degrees and admitting men as well as women into all of its programs. It enrolled 1,681 students in 2021.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 57% graduation rate and 74% freshman retention suggest that nearly 1 in 4 students don't make it past year one, which is worth taking seriously before committing. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $14,425, and the small enrollment means a more personal experience — particularly appealing if you're drawn to equestrian programs, which are a genuine standout here. Median earnings of $40,300 a decade out are modest, so this fits best if you're pursuing a field with clear career traction or value the tight-knit campus environment enough to be intentional about your path.

Founded
1870
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing22%
Biological Sciences8%
Education7%
Psychology4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science2%
Communications1%
Health Professions1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Helen StephensCarol Bartz

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$28,860
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,860
Avg Net Price
$22,270
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$14,425

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
57%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,425
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,425
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White59%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,061 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

William Woods University

One University Avenue

Fulton, MO 65251-2388

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Missouri

Browse all Missouri schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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