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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Missouri

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

Truman State University delivers the most compelling value proposition for Computer and Information Sciences majors in Missouri, with graduates earning $73,530 annually while paying just $12,030 in net costs. This strong return on investment stands in sharp contrast to the state's private options, where net costs can reach $27,075 at Saint Louis University. Missouri's tech sector has expanded rapidly around major employers like Cerner in Kansas City and BJC HealthCare's technology divisions, creating strong demand for computing professionals. The state's 20 programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, with graduation rates spanning from 38.3% at Missouri Southern State to 94.4% at Washington University. Public universities dominate the value market, offering in-state tuition as low as $8,400 while still connecting students to Missouri's growing healthcare technology and agricultural innovation sectors. The data reveals that strategic program selection can mean the difference between manageable debt loads under $21,000 and significantly higher financial commitments, making careful evaluation essential for prospective students.
26
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$60,001
Avg. Program Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,030 $73,530 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
2 $13,773 $69,140 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
3 $12,837 $63,005 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
4 $14,824 $65,387 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
5 $11,653 $47,930 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
6 $12,638 $50,606 $9,800 39.8%
7 $15,336 $57,860 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
8 $14,532 $53,358 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $19,889 $63,666 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
10 $18,516 $56,641 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
11 $27,075 $64,990 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
12 $24,051 $53,894 $24,326 45.7%
13 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
14 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
15 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
16 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
17 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
18 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
19 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
20 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
21 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
22 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
23 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
24 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
25 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
26 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Truman State University the top value for computer science in Missouri?

Truman State combines the highest graduate earnings at $73,530 with a modest net cost of $12,030, creating an outstanding return on investment. The university maintains a 68.4% graduation rate while accepting only 45% of applicants, indicating strong academic standards. Graduates carry average debt of $26,000, which remains manageable given their earning potential in Missouri's expanding tech sector.

How do public and private university costs compare for computer science programs?

Public universities in Missouri offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $11,653 to $19,889 compared to private institutions reaching $27,075. In-state students at public schools pay between $8,400 and $14,278 annually, while private tuition can exceed $53,000. The earnings gap between sectors is much smaller, with public school graduates often earning comparable salaries to their private counterparts.

Where do Missouri computer science graduates find the best job opportunities?

Missouri's major metropolitan areas offer strong employment prospects, particularly Kansas City with Cerner's healthcare technology focus and St. Louis with its financial services and healthcare systems. BJC HealthCare and Monsanto provide additional technology roles throughout the state. The state's agricultural technology sector and defense contractors also recruit computing professionals, with starting salaries ranging from $47,930 to over $70,000 depending on location and specialization.

Does graduation rate significantly impact program value in Missouri?

Graduation rates vary dramatically across Missouri's computer science programs, from 38.3% at Missouri Southern State to 94.4% at Washington University. Schools with higher graduation rates like Truman State (68.4%) and University of Missouri-Columbia (76.2%) typically produce better employment outcomes. Students should balance graduation rates with costs, as some lower-rate schools still offer strong value propositions for determined students.

Is debt load manageable for Missouri computer science graduates?

Most Missouri computer science programs keep debt levels reasonable, with average amounts ranging from $18,350 to $26,000 across reporting schools. Given that graduates earn between $47,930 and $73,530 annually, debt-to-income ratios remain favorable for career entry. Public universities generally offer the best combination of low debt and high earnings, particularly for in-state students taking advantage of Missouri's A+ Scholarship program.

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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.