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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri's business programs with an acceptance rate of just 21.13% yet delivers a net cost of only $7,669 for graduates earning $40,896 annually. This sharp contrast to most business education reflects Missouri's unique position in healthcare and agricultural management, where companies like BJC HealthCare and Monsanto create steady demand for business graduates. Ranken Technical College produces the highest-earning graduates at $50,231 annually despite charging $16,952 net cost, while public options like Truman State University offer strong value at $12,030 net with graduates earning $42,235. The earnings spread from $25,967 to $50,231 reveals how program focus and regional connections shape career outcomes. Missouri's A+ Scholarship program helps students start at community colleges before transferring to four-year business programs, creating additional pathways to manage costs while building management skills needed in the state's defense and agricultural sectors.
42
Programs
$6,709 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$39,846
Avg. Program Earnings
53.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $40,896 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $12,030 $42,235 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
3 $12,638 $40,821 $9,800 39.8%
4 $13,375 $39,969 $8,044 32.1%
5 $16,952 $50,231 $17,490 50.6%
6 $14,824 $43,379 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
7 $15,336 $44,021 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
8 $14,532 $41,441 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $15,529 $42,961 $16,400 30.0%
10 $12,484 $30,409 $9,290 22.1%
11 $17,502 $41,937 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
12 $16,602 $37,856 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
13 $18,251 $41,025 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
14 $18,705 $36,156 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
15 $13,459 $25,967 $6,442 27.4%
16 $24,051 $44,817 $24,326 45.7%
17 $21,523 $39,969 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
18 $20,095 $37,208 $12,968 80.0% 100.0%
19 $22,080 $40,281 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
20 $21,082 $38,289 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
21 $26,111 $47,260 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
22 $27,075 $48,156 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
23 $22,270 $35,772 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
24 $26,196 $39,153 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
25 $25,807 $37,478 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
26 $20,383 $28,309 $15,868 27.5%
27 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
28 $6,709 $6,400
29 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
30 $13,496 $8,506 55.0% 85.3%
31 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
32 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
33 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
34 $25,140 $9,400 70.0% 94.3%
35 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
36 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
37 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
38 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
39 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
40 $13,866 $11,200 40.9%
41 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
42 $21,887 $16,230 38.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an outlier in Missouri business education?

College of the Ozarks accepts only 21.13% of applicants, making it more selective than many elite institutions, yet graduates pay just $7,669 net cost. The school's work-study program requires students to work campus jobs instead of paying tuition, creating an unusual model where selectivity meets affordability. Graduates earn $40,896 annually with a 61.30% graduation rate, proving the demanding admission standards translate to strong outcomes.

How do Missouri public universities compare for business value?

Truman State University leads public options with graduates earning $42,235 annually for a $12,030 net cost and 68.40% graduation rate. Missouri Western State University costs slightly more at $12,638 net but shows a concerning 39.80% graduation rate despite solid $40,821 earnings. Southeast Missouri State University offers middle ground at $14,532 net cost with 55.70% graduation rates and $41,441 in graduate earnings.

Is Ranken Technical College worth the higher cost for business students?

Ranken Technical College graduates earn $50,231 annually, the highest among all Missouri business programs, justifying its $16,952 net cost. The technical focus aligns with Missouri's manufacturing and defense sectors where operational management skills command premium salaries. With a 50.60% graduation rate, students who complete the program see strong return on investment despite carrying $24,287 in average debt.

Does location within Missouri affect business program outcomes?

Saint Louis area schools show varied results, with Harris-Stowe State graduates earning just $25,967 annually while Ranken Technical graduates in the same city earn $50,231. Springfield hosts both Drury University's continuing education program at $39,969 graduate earnings and Missouri State University-Springfield at $41,937. Rural Kirksville's Truman State University matches urban earnings at $42,235, suggesting program quality matters more than location for business career outcomes.

What debt levels should Missouri business students expect?

Missouri business graduates carry debt ranging from $17,844 at Northwest Missouri State University to $31,250 at Lincoln University, with most programs falling between $22,000-$25,000. Truman State University offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio with $22,813 debt against $42,235 annual earnings. Lincoln University shows the concerning combination of lowest graduate earnings at $30,409 paired with highest debt at $31,250, requiring careful consideration of program value.

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