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Missouri's business programs show stark contrasts in both cost and career outcomes. Missouri Southern State University delivers the lowest net cost at $11,653, while the University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn the highest median salaries at $48,892. The 17 programs span from $9,384 to $26,047 in annual costs, creating opportunities across different budget levels. Missouri's business market benefits from major employers like Cerner's healthcare technology operations and BJC HealthCare's extensive network. The state's A+ Scholarship program helps students start affordably at community colleges before transferring to four-year business programs. Public universities generally offer lower costs, with Missouri State University-West Plains at just $9,384, though private institutions like Rockhurst University achieve 75.6% graduation rates. The earnings range from $33,281 to $48,892 reflects Missouri's varied economy spanning agriculture, defense contracts, and growing tech sectors in Kansas City and St. Louis.
17
Programs
$9,384 – $26,047
Net Price Range
$40,399
Avg. Program Earnings
53.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,653 $38,946 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
2 $12,837 $42,821 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
3 $12,323 $40,035 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
4 $16,939 $47,260 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
5 $19,889 $48,892 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
6 $18,516 $45,118 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
7 $14,774 $33,281 $6,960 100.0%
8 $17,502 $34,963 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
9 $23,165 $43,957 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
10 $24,051 $42,235 $24,326 45.7%
11 $25,477 $33,281 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
12 $26,047 $33,993 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
13 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
14 $9,384 $5,544 35.1%
15 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
16 $20,383 $15,868 27.5%
17 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Missouri-Columbia worth its $19,889 net cost for business students?

Graduates earn $48,892 annually, the highest among Missouri's business programs, providing strong return on investment. The 76.2% graduation rate ranks second-best statewide, indicating solid academic support systems. With 79.13% acceptance rate, the program remains accessible while maintaining quality outcomes that justify the higher public university cost.

How do Missouri's public business programs compare to private options in terms of value?

Public programs range from $9,384 to $19,889 in net costs, while private schools span $14,774 to $26,047. Missouri Southern State at $11,653 produces graduates earning $38,946, creating excellent value ratios. Private institutions like Rockhurst achieve higher graduation rates at 75.6% but cost $23,165 annually, requiring careful cost-benefit analysis.

Is Missouri State University-West Plains too affordable to provide quality business education?

At $9,384 net cost, it represents the most affordable option, though earnings data isn't available for comparison. The 35.1% graduation rate suggests challenges in student retention and completion. However, the low cost makes it accessible for students planning to transfer to four-year programs or those with specific financial constraints.

Does the location of Missouri business programs affect graduate earning potential?

Kansas City and St. Louis programs show varied outcomes despite similar metropolitan job markets. UMKC graduates earn $42,821 while Avila University graduates make $47,260, both in Kansas City. The presence of major employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare creates opportunities, but individual program quality appears more influential than geographic location alone.

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