
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.
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.
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.
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.
Name of the institution
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Central 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.
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degreeData 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.