Skip to main content

Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Missouri

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Missouri-Kansas City accounting graduates command the highest salaries in the state at $54,543, while maintaining one of the lowest net costs at $12,837. This creates an unusual value proposition where the most affordable option also delivers top earnings potential. Missouri's accounting job market benefits from major employers like Cerner Corporation and BJC HealthCare, both requiring substantial financial oversight and compliance expertise. Public universities dominate the value rankings, with seven of the top ten spots offering net costs below $15,000. The earnings gap between highest and lowest performers spans over $22,000 annually, from Central Methodist University's $31,799 to UMKC's industry-leading figure. Truman State achieves the lowest net cost at $12,030 while maintaining a respectable graduation rate of 68.4%. Private institutions like Drury University charge significantly more but struggle to match the return on investment offered by Missouri's public accounting programs, creating clear cost-benefit distinctions for prospective students.
33
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$43,957
Avg. Program Earnings
54.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,837 $54,543 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
2 $12,323 $46,718 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
3 $12,030 $43,426 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $15,529 $53,810 $16,400 30.0%
5 $14,532 $49,527 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
6 $14,824 $50,439 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
7 $12,638 $38,289 $9,800 39.8%
8 $15,336 $45,500 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
9 $12,484 $35,330 $9,290 22.1%
10 $17,502 $44,389 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
11 $21,523 $54,053 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
12 $18,516 $46,478 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
13 $14,774 $31,799 $6,960 100.0%
14 $26,047 $47,260 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
15 $24,051 $42,682 $24,326 45.7%
16 $26,196 $39,909 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
17 $25,807 $35,274 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
18 $25,477 $31,799 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
19 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
20 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
21 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
22 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
23 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
24 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
25 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
26 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
27 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
28 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
29 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
30 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
31 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
32 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
33 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Missouri-Kansas City the top value for accounting students?

UMKC combines the highest graduate earnings at $54,543 with a remarkably low net cost of $12,837, creating the best return on investment among Missouri accounting programs. The university maintains a 55.9% graduation rate while accepting 69.5% of applicants. Students graduate with moderate debt loads of $20,500, which represents strong value given the earning potential in Kansas City's financial sector.

How do Missouri's public accounting programs compare to private alternatives?

Public universities consistently offer better value, with net costs ranging from $12,030 to $17,502 compared to private institutions charging $14,774 to $26,047. Seven of the ten best values are public schools, with Missouri State University charging $17,502 while private Maryville University costs $26,047 for similar outcomes. The earnings difference between public and private graduates rarely justifies the additional expense.

Where do Missouri accounting graduates find the best job opportunities?

Kansas City and St. Louis anchor Missouri's accounting job market, with major employers like Cerner Corporation, BJC HealthCare, and regional financial institutions. UMKC and University of Missouri-St. Louis graduates benefit from proximity to these employment centers, earning $54,543 and $46,718 respectively. The state's agriculture and defense sectors also provide steady demand for accounting professionals throughout rural and suburban markets.

Does graduation rate significantly impact value in Missouri accounting programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Lincoln University's concerning 22.1% to Maryville University's strong 71.5%. Truman State achieves 68.4% graduation rates while maintaining the lowest net cost at $12,030. Students should weigh completion likelihood against program costs, as higher graduation rates often correlate with better academic support and career placement services.

What debt levels can Missouri accounting students expect upon graduation?

Average student debt ranges from $16,750 at Central Methodist University to $25,000 at University of Central Missouri. Most programs keep debt below $23,000, which remains manageable given typical starting salaries above $40,000. UMKC graduates carry $20,500 in debt while earning $54,543, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio for career entry.

More Accounting and Related Services Rankings

Cheapest Accounting and Related Services in Missouri Accounting and Related Services Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All Accounting and Related Services Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best Accounting and Related Services in Missouri

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.