Best Value Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Missouri

Missouri Western State University offers the lowest net cost at $12,638 while Washington University in St Louis graduates earn $91,744 annually, creating a stark contrast in the state's finance education market. The 20 programs span from public universities charging under $10,000 in tuition to private institutions exceeding $50,000, yet earnings potential varies dramatically across this spectrum. Missouri's finance sector benefits from major employers like Cerner's healthcare technology operations and agricultural giant Monsanto, providing graduates with established pathways into corporate finance roles. Public options dominate the affordable end, with five universities maintaining net costs below $16,000, while private institutions like Saint Louis University command higher prices but deliver stronger graduation rates. The state's A+ Scholarship program adds value for students transitioning from community colleges into four-year finance programs, making Missouri an attractive destination for cost-conscious students seeking solid career outcomes in financial services.

Programs

$12,638 – $27,075

Net Price Range

$48,944

Avg. Program Earnings

54.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$22,117	$91,744	$62,982	94.4%	11.8%
2	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$48,198	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
3	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$39,741	$9,800	39.8%
4	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$47,260	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
5	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$38,289	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
6	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$45,794	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
7	Drury University Springfield, Missouri	$21,523	$52,607	$35,235	66.0%	63.4%
8	Lindenwood University Saint Charles, Missouri	$18,516	$40,281	$21,100	50.3%	74.0%
9	Columbia College Columbia, Missouri	$24,051	$44,970	$24,326	45.7%
10	Webster University Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,196	$47,260	$30,730	61.1%	55.1%
11	Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,047	$42,235	$27,166	71.5%	87.8%
12	Westminster College Fulton, Missouri	$26,111		$34,188	57.5%	75.3%
13	Avila University Kansas City, Missouri	$16,939		$38,672	42.6%	67.6%
14	Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, Missouri	$21,082		$28,320	51.2%	99.6%
15	Saint Louis University Saint Louis, Missouri	$27,075		$53,244	79.8%	84.7%
16	Park University Parkville, Missouri	$15,529		$16,400	30.0%
17	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889		$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
18	Culver-Stockton College Canton, Missouri	$22,080		$29,915	50.2%	97.0%
19	Missouri Valley College Marshall, Missouri	$17,945		$23,000	24.5%	61.2%
20	Harris-Stowe State University Saint Louis, Missouri	$13,459		$6,442	27.4%
21	Evangel University Springfield, Missouri	$18,705		$27,192	64.8%	67.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Missouri Western State University such a strong value for finance students?

Missouri Western delivers the lowest net cost among all programs at just $12,638, making it extremely accessible for students. Graduates earn $39,741 annually on average, which provides reasonable returns given the minimal investment. The university maintains manageable debt levels at $19,381, allowing graduates to enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens.

How do public and private school costs compare for finance programs in Missouri?

Public universities maintain in-state tuition between $9,024 and $10,181, while private institutions range from $21,100 to $62,982. The cost gap reaches over $50,000 annually at the extremes, with Washington University charging $62,982 compared to Missouri State's $9,024. However, private schools often provide higher graduation rates, with Drury University achieving 66% compared to public averages around 50%.

Does Washington University justify its high cost with superior outcomes?

Washington University graduates earn $91,744 annually, nearly double the state average and significantly higher than any other program. The university maintains a 94.4% graduation rate, the highest in Missouri, though it accepts only 11.76% of applicants. Despite the $22,117 net cost after aid, graduates typically manage debt loads of $19,500, reasonable given their earning potential.

What career opportunities exist for finance graduates in Missouri?

Missouri's economy supports finance careers through major employers like Cerner in healthcare technology and agricultural companies requiring financial expertise. The state's healthcare sector, anchored by BJC HealthCare, creates demand for healthcare finance specialists. Defense contractors and agricultural businesses provide additional opportunities for corporate finance roles, particularly in the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs across Missouri finance programs?

Higher-cost programs generally deliver better graduation rates, with Washington University leading at 94.4% and Saint Louis University achieving 79.8%. Public universities typically graduate 40-60% of students, while private institutions often exceed 60%. Missouri Western State University stands out as an exception, combining the lowest cost with a 39.8% graduation rate, reflecting the trade-offs students face when prioritizing affordability.

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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.