Skip to main content

Best Value Economics Colleges in Missouri

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

Missouri's Economics programs reveal a surprising pattern where the highest-earning graduates come from Missouri University of Science and Technology, pulling in $69,338 annually despite the school's engineering focus. This represents a $23,000+ advantage over typical state earnings of $45,000. The 18 programs span from Truman State's remarkable $12,030 net cost to private options reaching $26,196. Missouri's economy benefits from major healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare and agricultural giants like Monsanto, creating demand for economists who understand both traditional markets and emerging biotechnology sectors. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six of the top seven spots offering sub-$20,000 net costs while maintaining solid career outcomes.
18
Programs
$12,030 – $26,196
Net Price Range
$47,707
Avg. Program Earnings
59.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,773 $69,338 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
2 $12,030 $46,478 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
3 $12,837 $47,260 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
4 $12,323 $44,942 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $15,336 $43,240 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
6 $19,889 $45,696 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
7 $17,502 $40,132 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
8 $22,117 $44,572 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
9 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
10 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
11 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
12 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
13 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
14 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
15 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
16 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
17 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
18 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Missouri S&T's Economics graduates earn $69,338 when it's primarily an engineering school?

Missouri S&T combines economics training with technical expertise, creating graduates who understand both financial markets and industrial processes. The school's 63.6% graduation rate reflects rigorous academics that prepare students for high-paying roles in technology firms and engineering economics. Students gain quantitative skills that command premium salaries in sectors where economics meets engineering applications.

How do Missouri's public university costs compare to private options for Economics?

Public universities average around $15,000 in net costs while private schools like Westminster College reach $26,111. Truman State offers the lowest net cost at $12,030 with respectable $46,478 earnings. The $14,000+ cost difference between public and private options makes state schools particularly attractive given similar career outcomes across most programs.

Is Washington University worth the higher cost for Economics students?

Washington University charges a $22,117 net cost but delivers a 94.4% graduation rate, the highest among Missouri programs. However, graduates earn $44,572, which trails several cheaper public options like Truman State's $46,478. The school's 11.76% acceptance rate suggests selectivity, but the return on investment favors state alternatives for most students.

Where do Missouri Economics graduates typically find employment given the state's economy?

Missouri's economy centers on healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare, agricultural companies including Monsanto, and defense contractors, all requiring economic analysis. The Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas concentrate financial services and corporate headquarters. Economics graduates often work in healthcare economics, agricultural commodity analysis, and government policy roles that support the state's varied industrial base.

More Economics Rankings

Cheapest Economics in Missouri Economics Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best Economics in Missouri

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