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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri psychology programs with a net cost of just $7,669 despite being a private institution, while graduates earn $20,140 annually after completion. This contrasts sharply with public alternatives like Lincoln University, where psychology majors pay $12,484 but see higher earnings of $35,060. Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner, creates steady demand for psychology graduates in clinical support, human resources, and behavioral health roles. The state's 15 psychology programs show considerable variation in both cost and outcomes, with graduation rates ranging from 22% to 68%. Public universities generally charge between $8,400 and $13,440 for in-state students, while private schools command higher tuition but sometimes offset costs through financial aid. Psychology majors in Missouri can expect starting salaries between $20,140 and $35,060, reflecting the field's broad application across healthcare, education, and corporate settings throughout the state.
39
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$28,449
Avg. Program Earnings
54.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,484 $35,060 $9,290 22.1%
2 $7,669 $20,140 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
3 $12,323 $31,057 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
4 $12,837 $32,124 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
5 $11,653 $28,960 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
6 $12,030 $27,222 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
7 $14,824 $31,690 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
8 $12,638 $26,933 $9,800 39.8%
9 $13,375 $28,401 $8,044 32.1%
10 $16,602 $33,993 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
11 $16,939 $33,993 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
12 $14,774 $27,482 $6,960 100.0%
13 $14,532 $26,458 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
14 $17,945 $32,653 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
15 $15,336 $27,710 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
16 $17,502 $28,198 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
17 $19,889 $29,805 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
18 $21,082 $30,047 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
19 $18,516 $24,936 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
20 $21,523 $28,401 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
21 $24,051 $30,879 $24,326 45.7%
22 $23,165 $28,960 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
23 $22,080 $26,585 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
24 $22,117 $26,353 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
25 $27,075 $31,809 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
26 $25,477 $27,482 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
27 $26,047 $27,947 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
28 $26,196 $27,455 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
29 $18,705 $18,771 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
30 $25,807 $21,964 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
31 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
32 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
33 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
34 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
35 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
36 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
37 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
38 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
39 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an affordable option for psychology students?

College of the Ozarks requires students to work on campus in exchange for tuition, resulting in a net cost of only $7,669 despite its private status. The school maintains a 61.3% graduation rate and accepts just 21.13% of applicants. However, psychology graduates earn $20,140 annually, which is the lowest among Missouri programs. The work-study model appeals to students who prefer hands-on experience over traditional classroom-only education.

How do public university costs compare for psychology majors in Missouri?

Missouri public universities charge in-state psychology students between $8,400 at Missouri Southern State and $13,440 at UM-St. Louis. Net costs after aid range from $11,653 to $15,336 across public institutions. Lincoln University offers the highest earning potential at $35,060 annually despite a modest $12,484 net cost. Most public programs accept 50-99% of applicants, making them accessible options for students seeking affordable psychology education.

Is the graduation rate gap significant between Missouri psychology programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Lincoln University's 22.1% to Truman State's 68.4%. Private schools like College of the Ozarks and William Jewell College both achieve over 61% graduation rates. Missouri Southern State University accepts 99.48% of applicants but graduates only 38.3% of psychology students. The data suggests that more selective admission standards often correlate with higher completion rates in Missouri psychology programs.

Does location within Missouri affect psychology program value?

Kansas City area schools like UMKC and Avila University offer psychology majors access to major healthcare employers like Cerner, with UMKC graduates earning $32,124 annually. St. Louis programs benefit from proximity to BJC HealthCare and other medical institutions, with UM-St. Louis psychology graduates earning $31,057. Rural programs like Missouri Southern State in Joplin cost less but offer lower earning potential at $28,960. Location clearly influences both networking opportunities and starting salary expectations.

Where do Missouri psychology graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Missouri's healthcare sector employs many psychology graduates in clinical support roles at systems like BJC HealthCare. Technology companies like Cerner hire psychology majors for user experience research and human resources positions. The state's agriculture and defense industries also value psychology graduates for training, safety, and personnel roles. Starting salaries range from $20,140 to $35,060 depending on the employer sector and geographic location within Missouri.

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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.