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McMurry University — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Abilene, TX · 1,176 students

The verdict

McMurry University charges a net price of $19,581/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $78,324. Graduates earn a median $48,779 ten years after entry, $419/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 186.9 years — a 20-year net return of $-69,944, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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McMurry University's 186.9-year payback ranks #1,250 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 2% of them, and #68 of 213 in Texas.

Better ROI than 2% of US colleges#1,250 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$19,581
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$48,779
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
186.9 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
57%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
McMurry University: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$19,581/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$78,324our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$48,779Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$419/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$27,000Scorecard, 2026
Payback186.9 yrsour math
20-year net return$-69,944our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

McMurry University: frequently asked questions

Is McMurry University worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. McMurry University charges $19,581/yr after aid ($78,324 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $48,779 ten years out — $419/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 186.9 years and returns $-69,944 net over 20 years, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone.
How long does a McMurry University degree take to pay off?
About 186.9 years. We divide the $78,324 four-year net cost by the $419/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does McMurry University cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $19,581/yr — about $78,324 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does McMurry University compare to other Texas colleges?
It ranks #68 of 213 Texas colleges we track by payback. Its $48,779 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $19,581 net price is above the national median of $16,906.