Park University
Tuition per year
$12,116
$21,306 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
4,657
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
9.2%
4-year; 6-year rate 20.4%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, is a distinguished institution that has been providing quality education since its founding in 1875. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a student-centered approach, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. With a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, Park University encourages critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making among its students. The university's motto, "Fides et Labor" (Faith and Labor), reflects its dedication to fostering not only intellectual growth but also personal development through hard work and moral integrity.
The campus boasts a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities that promote a sense of community and engagement. Park University emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education, encouraging students to participate in athletics, arts, and service learning. The university's athletic teams, known as the Pirates, compete at the NAIA level, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and foster school spirit. Additionally, the faculty at Park University is composed of experienced educators and industry professionals, ensuring that students receive relevant knowledge and skills that prepare them for successful careers. With a strong focus on providing accessible education, Park University also offers a range of online programs, making it a flexible option for non-traditional students. Overall, Park University stands out as a nurturing environment that equips students with the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Park University
Park University, as a private institution, has shown significant fluctuations in various key metrics over recent years. One notable aspect is the tuition fees, which have generally increased, particularly for in-state undergraduates. For instance, in 2014, the tuition was $10,600, while by 2024, it is projected to rise to $12,808. This increase reflects a broader trend in higher education where tuition fees have outpaced inflation, placing financial strain on students and families.
Another critical area of concern is the graduation rate. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at 27.38% in 2016 but saw a substantial decline to approximately 11.35% in 2023. This decline raises questions about student support, academic rigor, and retention strategies, as lower graduation rates can impact the institution's reputation and funding.
Retention rates also present a mixed picture. After peaking at around 75% in 2015, the retention rate has fluctuated significantly, dropping to about 59.43% in 2023. Retention is crucial for long-term student success and institutional stability, indicating that many students may struggle to complete their degrees or may not find the necessary support to continue their education.
Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio, which remained stable at 12:1 from 2013 to 2015, saw a spike to 17:1 in 2016 before returning to 14:1 in subsequent years. This ratio is essential as it can influence the quality of education and student engagement, with lower ratios typically leading to more personalized attention for students.
In summary, while Park University has made strides in some areas, such as managing room costs and slightly stabilizing the student-to-faculty ratio, the challenges of increasing tuition, declining graduation rates, and fluctuating retention rates pose significant challenges that need to be addressed for the institution's future success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Kansas City, about 8 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about 8 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Kathrine Swanson (Interim President)
- Phone
- 8167412000
- Address
- 8700 NW River Park Dr, Parkville, MO 64152-3795
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's145 (11% international)
- Information Technology · Master's80 (85% international)
- Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator · Master's39 (13% international)
- Public Administration · Master's37 (0% international)
- Organizational Communication, General · Master's14 (0% international)
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Master's14 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends at Park University in 2023
The graduation data from Park University in 2023 highlights several noteworthy trends across different academic disciplines. Notably, Business Administration and Management had a significant number of master's degree graduates, totaling 186, which reflects the ongoing demand for advanced business education in a competitive job market. This aligns with reports suggesting that professionals with master's degrees, particularly in business, tend to have higher earning potential and better career advancement opportunities.
In stark contrast, several programs showed minimal or no graduation numbers at the undergraduate level, such as International Business and Criminal Justice, which did not produce any bachelor's degree graduates. This could indicate a potential area for concern, as these fields typically attract students seeking stable career paths. The absence of international students graduating from these programs could also reflect broader trends in international student enrollment, which has been fluctuating due to global events and immigration policies.
Additionally, the data reveals that the interdisciplinary studies program had a modest number of graduates at the bachelor's level but no master's or doctoral students. This may suggest that while students are interested in broader academic fields, there is less pursuit of advanced degrees in this area, possibly due to the diverse career paths available to graduates.
Overall, the graduation statistics from Park University showcase a mix of strong performance in certain disciplines, particularly at the master's level, while also highlighting challenges and opportunities for growth in others. This analysis underscores the importance of aligning academic offerings with market demands and student interests to foster an inclusive and successful educational environment.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $54,757-$71,048 | |||
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $54,757-$71,048 | |||
| Project Management. | $54,757-$71,048 | |||
| Accounting. | $55,852 | |||
| Accounting and Business/Management. | $55,852 | |||
| Business/Managerial Economics. | - | |||
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |||
| Financial Planning and Services. | - | |||
| Finance and Financial Management Services, Other. | - | |||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $50,293-$57,676 | |||
| International Business/Trade/Commerce. | - | |||
| Management Information Systems, General. | $73,019 | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - | |||
| Digital Marketing. | - | |||
| Construction Management, General. | $69,415 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $69,255-$85,568 | |||
| Information Technology. | $69,255-$85,568 | |||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $39,133 | |||
| Social Psychology. | $36,950-$45,594 | |||
| Industrial and Organizational Psychology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $53,198 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | $64,858-$69,090 | |||
| Social Work. | $56,288 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $54,950-$70,080 | |||
| Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator. | $54,950-$70,080 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $80,816 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $56,548 | |||
| Superintendency and Educational System Administration. | $56,548 | |||
| Educational/Instructional Technology. | $50,145 | |||
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | $36,989 | |||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $36,989 | |||
| Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | $36,989 | |||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $36,989 | |||
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | $36,989 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $36,989 | |||
| Reading Teacher Education. | $49,107 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | $53,915 | |||
| Business Analytics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography. | $55,394 | |||
| National Security Policy Studies. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Fitness Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | - | |||
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - | |||
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - | |||
| Organizational Communication, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Design. | - | |||
| Graphic Design. | - | |||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | |||
| Music Performance, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - | |||
| Military History. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | |||
| Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
Students
5,736 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 56:44 · Freshman retention 57.6%
- Continuing undergraduates 3,645
- First-year undergraduates 333
- Graduate students 1,079
- Transfers and others 679
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,657)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
2023 Student Demographics at Park University
The demographic data from Park University for the year 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 336, with a male representation of approximately 57.7% and females at 42.3%. This indicates a slightly higher male enrollment in this category, which is consistent with trends seen in many institutions where STEM fields attract more male students.
Undergraduate juniors, however, present a different picture with a significantly larger cohort of 4,957 students. The gender distribution remains relatively balanced, with males at 54.6% and females at 45.4%. This suggests that as students progress in their academic journey, the gender dynamics may begin to equalize, reflecting broader societal changes in educational trends.
For undergraduate transfer students, the enrollment stands at 768, with a male ratio of 56% and females at 44%. This demographic shows a slight preference for male students, similar to the freshmen data. In contrast, the graduate student population of 1,424 has a notable female majority, with 52.2% females and 47.8% males. This shift may indicate an increasing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, which aligns with national statistics showing that women are earning more graduate degrees than men in recent years.
The data also highlights the ethnic diversity within the student body, although specific numbers for the breakdown are not fully available. Understanding these demographics is crucial for addressing the unique needs of different student populations and fostering an inclusive academic environment. Overall, Park University's data reflects both the challenges and advancements in achieving gender balance and diversity in higher education.
Analysis of Age Composition Among Students at Park University
The age distribution of students at Park University in 2023 provides valuable insights into the demographics of its student body. The data reveals a significant representation of students in the 25-29 age range, with a total of 1,526 students, highlighting the appeal of higher education for young adults who may be pursuing career advancement or a change in profession. This trend is consistent with national patterns, where adult learners are increasingly enrolling in universities to enhance their skills.
Interestingly, the 18-19 age group, typically the first-time college students, constitutes a substantial portion of the undergraduate population, with 501 students. This suggests that Park University successfully attracts traditional-age students, which is essential for maintaining a vibrant campus culture.
Furthermore, the data indicates a notable gender disparity, especially at the undergraduate level, where the number of female students exceeds male students in most age categories. For instance, in the 22-24 age range, there are 464 female undergraduates compared to 503 male undergraduates. This trend may reflect broader societal shifts, as more women pursue higher education than ever before, aligning with national statistics that show women's enrollment in college surpassing that of men.
The older age categories, such as 40-49 and 50-64, also show a healthy participation rate, suggesting that Park University is accommodating non-traditional students seeking lifelong learning opportunities. Overall, the age and gender composition at Park University underscores the institution's commitment to inclusivity and its role in providing educational opportunities to a diverse array of learners.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
191 in 2025 · 2.8% in 2016
322 in 2025 · 11.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at Park University
The data on international students at Park University reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate populations. In the early years, such as 2004, the percentage of international students among undergraduates was relatively low at 1.92%, but this figure saw a notable increase by 2009, reaching nearly 4%. This trend continued until 2015, when the undergraduate percentage dropped sharply to 1.09%.
However, the most striking observation is the surge in graduate student enrollment. In 2023, the proportion of international students in graduate programs soared to 23.31%, a remarkable increase compared to just 5.17% in 2004. This suggests that Park University has become increasingly attractive to international graduate students, possibly due to the growing demand for advanced degrees in a globalized job market.
The decline in undergraduate international enrollment post-2015 could reflect broader trends in higher education, including increased competition from other institutions, changes in visa policies, or shifts in the demographics of prospective students. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a crucial role in altering enrollment patterns, as evidenced by the low numbers during 2020 and 2021.
Overall, while the university has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent international undergraduate population, the sharp rise in graduate student enrollment signals a positive trend and highlights the institution's potential as a hub for advanced academic pursuits. Moving forward, Park University may need to implement strategies to attract more international undergraduates to balance these trends effectively.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$21,306
- Undergraduate tuition
- $12,116
- Room and board
- $9,190
- Graduate tuition
- $4,783
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 6% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 12%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$74.5M
Expenses$74.6M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Heart of America Athletic Conference
Heart of America Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 88 | 70 |
| Baseball | 128 | - |
| Basketball | 71 | 47 |
| Volleyball | 53 | 62 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 39 | 30 |
| Softball | - | 56 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 31 | 24 |
| Cross Country | 19 | 14 |
| Golf | 18 | 10 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 28 |
| Ice Hockey | 26 | - |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 157 | - |
| Soccer | 90 | 65 |
| Basketball | 81 | 53 |
| Volleyball | 46 | 60 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 36 | 28 |
| Softball | - | 51 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 25 | 19 |
| Golf | 26 | 12 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 36 |
| Cross Country | 17 | 15 |
| Ice Hockey | 13 | - |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 115 | 51 |
| Baseball | 145 | - |
| Soccer | 78 | 66 |
| Volleyball | 40 | 76 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 45 | 25 |
| Softball | - | 44 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 29 | 15 |
| Cross Country | 19 | 17 |
| Golf | 19 | 10 |
| Beach Volleyball | - | 17 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 11.9 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University of KansasLawrence · 34.4 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Kansas State UniversityManhattan · 101.9 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 127.2 mi
U.S. News #95
-
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln · 155.2 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Creighton UniversityOmaha · 158.3 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Nebraska--OmahaOmaha · 159.3 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Wichita State UniversityWichita · 174.1 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 175.2 mi
U.S. News #191
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Park University:
-
University of Missouri-Kansas City - Ranked 269 in the 2024 US News, this comprehensive university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of Kansas - With a rank of 151, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Kansas State University - Ranked 170, it provides a diverse range of academic programs and is recognized for its commitment to research and community engagement.
-
University of Missouri-Columbia - This university is ranked 124 and is one of the largest institutions in Missouri, offering excellent programs across various fields.
-
Creighton University - With a ranking of 124, Creighton is a private Jesuit university known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and healthcare programs.
-
Iowa State University - Ranked 115, this university is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and science programs.
-
Washington University in St. Louis - A prestigious institution, ranked 24, offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on research.
These universities provide excellent educational opportunities in various fields and are prominent institutions in the region.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Statistics at Park University
The crime data from Park University reveals a fluctuating trend in criminal incidents over the past decade. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked in 2014 at 1.07, which can be concerning for both students and the administration. However, the subsequent years showed a significant decline, particularly in 2022, where the crime rate fell to just 0.11 per 1,000 students. This indicates a substantial improvement in campus safety, which may be attributed to enhanced security measures or community awareness programs.
The most prevalent type of crime reported was related to gun arrests, which consistently appeared across the data. Interestingly, there were no recorded incidents of drug-related arrests or alcohol-related arrests on campus in 2022 and 2023, suggesting that recent preventive initiatives may be effectively curbing these issues.
A closer look at the data also reveals that incidents of domestic violence and stalking were relatively low throughout the years, which is a positive indicator. The decline in violent crimes and thefts demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a safer campus environment, aligning with broader trends in crime reduction seen across many educational institutions.
Overall, while the data does show some spikes in crime rates during certain years, the general downward trend in recent years is encouraging. Continuous efforts to ensure student safety and community engagement are essential in sustaining this positive trajectory. For further understanding of how crime rates are calculated, you may refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Park University include George Kelly (Psychologist, founder of personal construct psychology), Texe Marrs (Writer, radio host and fundamentalist Christian minister) and Stephen M. Veazey (Former Prophet-President of Community of Christ).
-
George Kelly 1905–1967
Psychologist, founder of personal construct psychology
-
Texe Marrs 1944–2019
Writer, radio host and fundamentalist Christian minister
-
Stephen M. Veazey 1957–
Former Prophet-President of Community of Christ
-
Henry Doktorski 1956–
Accordionist, organist and author
-
Tacy Atkinson 1870–1937
Missionary in Ottoman Empire, Armenian genocide witness
-
Carl McIntire 1906–2002
Founder of the Bible Presbyterian Church
-
Cleland Boyd McAfee 1866–1944
Theologian, Presbyterian minister and hymn writer
-
Newell A. George 1904–1992
U.S. Representative from Kansas
-
Homer Alonzo Ramey 1891–1960
Ohio lawyer and U.S. representative
More alumni (12, by field)
Politics and law
-
George Seanor Robb 1887–1972
Medal of Honor recipient and Kansas State Auditor
-
James A. Roy 1964–
16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
-
Thaddeus J. Martin 1956–
Retired major general, Connecticut National Guard adjutant general
-
Kevin P. Byrnes 1950–
Retired US Army four-star general
-
James J. Barry, Jr. 1946–
Republican politician from New Jersey
-
Robert J. Skinner
Retired Air Force lieutenant general, former DISA director
-
Mary Hales
Former Wyoming state representative
-
Seth Morgan 1978–
Former Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives
Science and academia
-
Jacqueline Jakway 1928–2008
Neuroscientist and professor of anatomy and cell biology
-
Paul A. Dodd 1902–1992
Economist and UCLA professor
-
Sudhindra Bose 1883–1946
Pioneer teacher of Asian politics at University of Iowa
Other fields
-
Edwin Kagin 1940–2014
Attorney and co-founder of Camp Quest
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.