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Best Value Computer Science Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out with an extraordinary net cost of just $7,669 for Computer Science students, making it the most affordable option among Missouri's 20 programs. This dramatic cost advantage comes despite graduates earning $58,673 annually, creating strong value in a state where net prices range from $7,669 to $27,075. Missouri's tech sector offers strong opportunities for CS graduates, with major employers like Cerner (now Oracle Health) headquartered in Kansas City driving demand for software developers and health informatics specialists. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Washington University in St. Louis commands a $22,117 net cost but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $99,517. The state's public universities generally cluster between $12,000-$17,500 in net costs, while private institutions span a much wider range. With acceptance rates varying from Washington University's selective 11.76% to Southwest Baptist's nearly open 99.55%, Missouri provides Computer Science pathways for students across different academic profiles and financial situations.
20
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$62,590
Avg. Program Earnings
57.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $58,673 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $12,837 $65,871 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
3 $12,323 $61,814 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
4 $22,117 $99,517 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
5 $15,336 $57,318 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
6 $17,502 $62,579 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
7 $21,082 $61,516 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
8 $26,196 $57,017 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
9 $24,051 $39,009 $24,326 45.7%
10 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
11 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
12 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
13 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
14 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
15 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
16 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
17 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
18 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
19 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
20 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an strong value for Computer Science?

College of the Ozarks achieves the lowest net cost at $7,669 while maintaining strong graduate earnings of $58,673 annually. The school operates a unique work-study program where students work on campus to offset educational costs. With a 61.30% graduation rate and highly selective 21.13% acceptance rate, it combines affordability with academic quality that's rare among Computer Science programs.

How do Missouri's public universities compare for Computer Science value?

Missouri's public Computer Science programs offer net costs between $12,030 and $17,502, making them significantly more affordable than most private options. University of Missouri-Kansas City leads in graduate earnings at $65,871 with a net cost of $12,837. Truman State provides the lowest public net cost at $12,030 and achieves the highest graduation rate among publics at 68.40%, though earnings data wasn't available.

Does Washington University justify its higher cost for Computer Science students?

Washington University produces the highest-earning Computer Science graduates at $99,517 annually, nearly $34,000 more than the second-highest earner. Despite a $22,117 net cost, graduates carry relatively low debt at $15,250 and achieve an outstanding 94.40% graduation rate. The school's selectivity at 11.76% acceptance reflects its academic caliber and strong industry connections.

What job opportunities await Computer Science graduates in Missouri?

Missouri's tech sector centers around healthcare technology, with Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) as a major employer of software developers and data analysts. The state also offers opportunities in agricultural technology through companies like Monsanto and defense contracting. Graduate earnings range from $39,009 to $99,517 across programs, reflecting the varied industry market from startups to major corporations.

How competitive are admissions for Missouri's Computer Science programs?

Acceptance rates span dramatically from Washington University's highly selective 11.76% to Southwest Baptist University's nearly open 99.55%. Most public universities maintain moderate selectivity, with University of Missouri-St. Louis at 51.11% and University of Central Missouri at 71.34%. This range ensures Computer Science opportunities for students across different academic backgrounds and preparation levels.

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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.