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Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

#2025 in US ranking Fayette, MO
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$23,474
Tuition & fees
$7,500
Avg. aid
$4,833
Receiving aid
90%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
88%
ACT range
19–25

Outcomes

Median salary
$44,120
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies?

Central Methodist University traces its history to Central College, founded in Fayette, Missouri, in 1854. The institution later became Central Methodist College and adopted the Central Methodist University name in 2004. Its Methodist heritage remains part of its identity.

The College of Graduate and Extended Studies, commonly called CGES, is the university's division for education beyond its traditional Fayette-based undergraduate programs. Its online courses and programs offered at partner locations make the university accessible to students who cannot attend the Fayette campus regularly. Applicants should distinguish the university's history and campus facilities from the services available through their particular CGES program or location.

What are the faculties and departments at Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies?

CGES offers undergraduate and graduate study through Central Methodist University's broader academic structure; it is not a separate university with an independent faculty or accreditation. Its offerings include fields such as business, education, health professions, and the liberal arts, although available degrees and course formats depend on the location and program.

Prospective students should use the current academic catalog to check the exact credential, required courses, and delivery method. That distinction matters in fields with clinical placements, student teaching, or other in-person requirements: an online course sequence does not necessarily mean every degree requirement can be completed remotely.

What is the location of Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies?

Central Methodist University is based in Fayette, a small city in central Missouri. CGES also serves students through online study and extended locations, so Fayette is the university's home rather than the daily place of attendance for every CGES student.

Fayette offers a small-town setting; students seeking frequent access to a larger city should account for travel. For an extended-location program, the more useful commuting questions are where required classes meet, whether courses run on campus or online, and where any clinical or field placements take place.

What is the mission and vision of Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies?

Central Methodist University describes its educational purpose in terms of academic and professional preparation, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Its affiliation with the United Methodist tradition informs that stated mission; it does not mean every student is expected to share a particular faith.

For CGES students, the practical question is how those priorities appear in a specific degree - for example, through professional coursework or community-based learning. A mission statement describes institutional aims, not a measured outcome for every graduate.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

Rural: Distant

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Accreditation

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Programs and Degrees

iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.