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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Missouri

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

Missouri Southern State University delivers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences education at just $11,653 net cost, while William Jewell College graduates command the highest earnings at $43,798 annually. This $32,145 earnings gap reflects the varied career paths these programs open across Missouri's economy. The state's major healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare and technology companies such as Cerner actively recruit liberal arts graduates for their analytical thinking and communication skills. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with 8 of the top 10 schools offering in-state tuition under $15,000. The University of Missouri-Columbia stands out with a 76.20% graduation rate and $35,274 median earnings, justifying its $19,889 net cost. Missouri's A+ Scholarship program helps students begin at community colleges before transferring to these four-year programs. Liberal arts graduates find opportunities in the state's agriculture, defense, and healthcare sectors, where critical thinking and versatile skill sets prove valuable for roles ranging from project management to policy analysis.
38
Programs
$7,669 – $33,596
Net Price Range
$33,407
Avg. Program Earnings
55.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,323 $35,518 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
2 $12,837 $34,420 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
3 $11,653 $30,771 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
4 $16,602 $43,798 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
5 $12,484 $29,250 $9,290 22.1%
6 $13,375 $30,988 $8,044 32.1%
7 $15,336 $34,908 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
8 $14,532 $30,288 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $18,516 $33,138 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
10 $19,889 $35,274 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
11 $24,051 $40,914 $24,326 45.7%
12 $21,523 $30,988 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
13 $17,502 $24,035 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
14 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
15 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
16 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
17 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
18 $33,596 $31,920 75.5% 91.6%
19 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
20 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
21 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
22 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
23 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
24 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
25 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
26 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
27 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
28 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
29 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
30 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
31 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
32 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
33 $18,094 $9,000 81.8%
34 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
35 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
36 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
37 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
38 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes William Jewell College worth its higher cost for liberal arts students?

William Jewell College graduates earn $43,798 annually, nearly $8,500 more than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates despite similar net costs. The private college maintains a 61.60% graduation rate with selective 40.99% acceptance rate. Students graduate with $25,000 median debt, reasonable given the earning potential in Missouri's competitive job market.

How do Missouri's public universities compare for liberal arts value?

University of Missouri-Kansas City offers the best public value with $12,837 net cost and $34,420 earnings, plus just $17,291 median debt. Missouri Southern provides the lowest cost at $11,653 but graduates earn $30,771 annually. The flagship Columbia campus costs $19,889 but delivers the highest public university graduation rate at 76.20%.

Is Lincoln University a good choice despite its low graduation rate?

Lincoln University's 22.10% graduation rate raises concerns, though the $12,484 net cost remains affordable. Graduates earn $29,250 annually but carry $33,472 median debt, the highest among public options. Students should carefully consider support services and academic fit before enrolling at this historically black university.

Does Missouri State University-Springfield justify its costs for liberal arts majors?

Missouri State University-Springfield presents a concerning value proposition with graduates earning just $24,035 annually, the lowest in the state. Despite a reasonable $17,502 net cost and 57.30% graduation rate, the earning potential falls significantly below other Missouri options. Students might find better returns at University of Central Missouri, where graduates earn $34,908.

Where can liberal arts graduates find the best job opportunities in Missouri?

Kansas City and St. Louis offer the most opportunities, with major employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare seeking liberal arts graduates for analytical roles. The University of Missouri campuses in these cities provide direct connections to regional job markets. Columbia College graduates earning $40,914 annually demonstrate the value of programs near state government and university research centers.

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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.