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Missouri State University-West Plains delivers the state's most affordable business education at just $9,384 net cost, creating an $16,663 savings compared to the most expensive option. This dramatic price spread reflects Missouri's mix of community-focused public campuses and private institutions serving different student populations. The University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn $48,892 annually, the highest among business programs, while Central Methodist graduates average $33,281. Missouri's business education connects directly to major employers like Cerner in Kansas City and BJC HealthCare in St. Louis, where healthcare administration and corporate finance roles drive demand for business graduates. The state's A+ Scholarship program covers community college tuition, making the transition to four-year business programs more accessible for Missouri residents.
17
Programs
$9,384 – $26,047
Net Price Range
$40,399
Avg. Program Earnings
53.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,384 $5,544 35.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
4 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
5 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
6 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
7 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
8 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
9 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
10 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
11 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
12 $20,383 $15,868 27.5%
13 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
14 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
15 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
16 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
17 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Missouri State University-West Plains so affordable for business students?

The West Plains campus operates as a two-year institution with significantly lower overhead costs than traditional four-year universities. In-state students pay just $5,544 in tuition, and the total net cost of $9,384 includes minimal housing expenses in the rural West Plains area. The campus focuses on foundational business coursework and transfer preparation rather than expensive graduate programs or research facilities.

How much do University of Missouri-Columbia business graduates typically earn?

Mizzou business graduates earn an average of $48,892 annually, the highest among Missouri's business programs. This represents a $15,611 premium over Central Methodist graduates who average $33,281. The Columbia campus benefits from strong alumni networks in major Missouri markets and proximity to state government opportunities in Jefferson City.

Is the graduation rate significantly different between public and private business programs?

Private institutions show mixed results, with William Jewell College achieving 61.6% graduation rates while Bryan University manages only 27.5%. Public universities generally perform better, with Missouri-Columbia reaching 76.2% and Missouri-Kansas City at 55.9%. The $8,000+ cost difference between sectors doesn't guarantee better outcomes.

Does Missouri Southern State University offer good value despite its 99.48% acceptance rate?

Missouri Southern provides solid value with an $11,653 net cost and graduates earning $38,946 annually. The near-open admission policy serves students in the Joplin area who might not access higher education otherwise. Despite the 38.3% graduation rate, the low student debt of $18,116 makes it financially manageable for completers.

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