Fayette, MO

Small-town school two hours from Kansas City or St. Louis

Central Methodist University, located in Fayette, Missouri, is a vibrant academic community dedicated to empowering students through personalized education. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, CMU emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and community engagement. With a rich history dating back to 1854, CMU continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence while embracing innovation and preparing students to excel in their chosen fields.

Rankings: #27 in Regional College Midwest by U.S. News & World Report 2024

School size: Total enrollment of over 5,000 undergraduate and College of Graduate and Extended Studies students

Location: Main campus in Fayette, Missouri; also locations in Arnold, Clinton, Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, Neosho, Parks Hills, Poplar Bluff, Sedalia, and Union

Nearby attractions:  Rock Bridge Memorial
State Park, Shelter Gardens, Museum of Art and Archeology, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

Emerge Exclusive

Incoming international freshmen are eligible for scholarships ranging
from $6,000 to $14,000. View available scholarships below.
No application fee! We are also waiving the application fee for all international students.
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Programs

Cost of Attendance

The following provides you with estimated costs for your tuition at Central Methodist University for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Cost of Attendance for the 2025-2026 academic year has not yet been published. Please check back for updates.

Please note: Total tuition and fees will vary depending on whether you attend full- or part-time, what campus you attend, and on the housing and meal plans you select.

Undergraduate

Estimated Cost of Attendance
$ 44,112 /Year
  • This is an estimate only. Other costs and fees may apply.

Graduate

Estimated Cost of Attendance
$ 19,754-23,484 /Year
  • This is an estimate only. Other costs and fees may apply.

For a more detailed breakdown of cost, please click Apply Now and complete the form. 

Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships for incoming international freshmen vary from $14,000 to $6,000 and are based on cumulative GPA and/or ACT/SAT scores.

  • Students must be studying on the Fayette campus and enrolled full–time to receive a merit-based scholarship. 
  • Central Methodist University also offers competitive, participation and need-based aid (Athletics, Spirit Squad, Fine and Performing Arts, Campus Ministry).
Scholarship Minimum Requirements Annual Award
President’s Scholarship 3.9 GPA or 29 ACT/1330 SAT $14,000
University Scholarship 3.5 GPA or 27 ACT/1260 SAT $12,000
Trustee’s Scholarship 3.0 GPA or 24 ACT/1160 SAT $10,000
Alumni Scholarship 2.75 GPA or 22 ACT/110 SAT $9,000
Dean’s Scholarship 2.5 GPA and 21 ACT/1060 SAT OR 2.5 GPA and Committee Approval $7,000
Eagle Scholarship <2.5 GPA and> 22 ACT/1100 SAT and Committee Approval $6,000

Students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to qualify. This scholarship is non-stackable. Must submit an application.   

About Central Methodist University

How to Apply

Use the button below to access Central Methodist University’s unique application. Once you submit your application, your agent will work with you to supply all documents required for your application file.

Get started now! Click Apply Now to unlock important details about start dates, application deadlines,
and a complete breakdown of costs and fees.

Admission Requirements

Upon receipt and review of all information and supporting documents, applicants will be notified of their admission status. The University reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone who does not meet standards for admission. Students are admitted on a continuous enrollment basis, at any time of the year. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campuses.

To apply for undergraduate study, you will need the following:
 
1. A completed Central Methodist University admission application. Submit the online application by clicking Apply Now or complete a paper one. The process will take about fifteen minutes and is completely free.
 
2. Academic Credentials
Submit official transcripts of all work comparable to secondary and post-secondary work including grade point average and class rank when possible. Courses from Non-U.S. Institutions will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Note: SpanTran is one of our recommended international transcript evaluation services. They have created a custom application for Central Methodist University and will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. 
 
3. English Test Score

Present evidence of proficiency in the English language through the submission of official test scores. We accept any of the following nationally recognized tests:

  • International English Language Testing (IELTS) 5.5 with no section score below 4.5
  • Duolingo 95 with no section score below 70
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) 59-64 with no section score below 15
  • SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 420
  • ACT English 19 Proficiency conversation.

4. Financial Documents
  • Submit evidence of financial ability to pay for that portion of tuition, board and room not covered by academic or performance scholarships.
  • Official copies of bank statements dated within the past six months.
  • Affidavit of support which has been signed, dated, and notarized.
  • Maintain legal status by complying with the USCIS SEVIS regulations governing F-1 students.
To apply for graduate study, you will need the following:
 

1. A completed Central Methodist University admission application which can be completed online by clicking Apply Now

2. Academic Credentials
  • Copy of Bachelor’s Degree Diploma
  • Official transcripts from post-secondary education

Note: SpanTran is one of our recommended international transcript evaluation services. They have created a custom application for Central Methodist University and will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. 

 
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from school administrators, professional colleagues, or college professors addressing the applicant’s suitability for graduate work
 

4. Present evidence of proficiency in the English language through the submission of official test scores. We accept any of the following nationally recognized tests:

  • International English Language Testing (IELTS) 5.5 with no section score below 4.5
  • Duolingo 95 with no section score below 70
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) 59-64 with no section score below 15
  • SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) 420
  • ACT English 19 Proficiency conversation.


5. Financial Documents

  • Financial Statement and Affidavit of Support
  • International Student Financial Aid Application
  • Letter from sponsor’s bank confirming that sufficient funds are available for student’s support
  • Housing/Enrollment Deposit

Country Specific Academic Credentials

Secondary Education Credentials
1. Histórico Escolar (Scholastic History)
2. Certificado de Conclusão de Curso (Certificate of Course Completion) for Ensino Médio (Secondary Education)


Post-Secondary Education Credentials
1. Diploma / degree Photocopy or Scan (both sides of the document)
2. Transcript / grade report

Secondary Education Credentials
1. Standard XII (Grade 12) Certificate (or equivalent)
2. Standard X (Grade 10) Certificate (or equivalent)


Post-Secondary Education Credentials
1. Degree, Diploma, or Provisional Certificate confirming the earned qualification
2. Statements of Marks for all examination attempts, or official Transcript
3. Issued by the university or the autonomous college. Documents issued by affiliated colleges are NOT acceptable

Secondary Education Credentials
1. Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Intermediate Examination Certificate (IEC), or Diploma
2. Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Statements of Marks (Marks Certificates) for the SSC, HSC/IEC, Diploma

Post-Secondary Education Credentials*
1. Degree, Diploma, or Provisional Certificate confirming eligibility for the degree or diploma
2. Statements of Marks for all examination attempts, or official Transcript (if relevant also submit Attempts Certificate)
* Must be issued by the university or autonomous college.

These are NOT acceptable: “College Record” or “College Transcript” from affiliated colleges, and “Consolidated Statements of Marks.”
Complete course titles required if statements of marks include abbreviated paper titles, or numbered papers without titles.

Note: Upon acceptance, all students are required to participate in the school’s student health program or in a health benefit plan with comparable coverage.