Best Value Human Development Colleges in Missouri

College of the Ozarks stands apart with a net cost of just $7,669 for Human Development programs, despite accepting only 21% of applicants. This creates an unusual situation where the state's most selective program also costs the least. Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by BJC HealthCare and expanding telehealth services, drives demand for family studies graduates who understand developmental psychology and family dynamics. The earnings spread tells another story, with graduates earning between $23,930 and $29,290 across all 13 programs. Public universities like Missouri State-Springfield deliver solid returns at $17,502 net cost with $29,290 median earnings.

Programs

$7,669 – $26,047

Net Price Range

$27,562

Avg. Program Earnings

53.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette, Missouri	$14,774	$28,055	$6,960		100.0%
2	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$29,290	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
3	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$23,930	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
4	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$28,478	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
5	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, Missouri	$25,477	$28,055	$27,140	52.5%	97.9%
6	Fontbonne University Saint Louis, Missouri	$18,251		$28,976	56.8%	94.4%
7	Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,047		$27,166	71.5%	87.8%
8	Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, Missouri	$25,807		$33,122	48.2%	70.9%
9	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824		$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
10	College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri	$7,669		$21,290	61.3%	21.1%
11	Park University Parkville, Missouri	$15,529		$16,400	30.0%
12	Missouri State University-West Plains West Plains, Missouri	$9,384		$5,544	35.1%
13	Stephens College Columbia, Missouri	$23,277		$28,200	46.5%	64.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an outlier in program costs?

Students work on campus instead of paying traditional tuition, resulting in a $7,669 net cost that's roughly half the next cheapest option. The 21% acceptance rate reflects intense competition for these work-study positions.

How do public university costs compare to earnings potential?

Missouri State-Springfield offers the best public option with $29,290 median earnings against $17,502 net cost. University of Missouri-Columbia costs more at $19,889 but provides a 76% graduation rate.

Is there a significant difference between campus locations for job prospects?

Saint Louis programs benefit from proximity to BJC HealthCare and social services networks, while Columbia offers research opportunities at MU. Springfield graduates often find positions in regional healthcare systems throughout the Ozarks.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in this field?

Higher-cost private programs show mixed results, with Maryville achieving 71% graduation rates while Missouri Baptist drops to 48%. Public options like Northwest Missouri State maintain 57% rates at much lower costs.

More Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Rankings

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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.