Cheapest Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Colleges in Missouri

Missouri Southern State University delivers the state's most affordable medical laboratory science education at just $11,653 net cost annually, nearly half the price of the second cheapest option. This dramatic cost advantage comes with a trade-off in graduation rates, as Missouri Southern graduates only 38.30% of its students compared to top performers like Saint Louis University at 79.80%. The state's medical laboratory programs serve Missouri's expanding healthcare sector, which includes major employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner's health technology operations. While net costs span from $11,653 to $27,075 across the 15 programs, graduates can expect starting salaries around $55,000 to $57,000, making even the priciest programs financially viable. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six schools offering net costs under $16,000, though private institutions like William Jewell College at $16,602 prove competitive with state schools.

Programs

$11,653 – $27,075

Net Price Range

$56,415

Avg. Program Earnings

57.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Missouri Southern State University Joplin, Missouri	$11,653	$8,400	38.3%	99.5%
2	Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri	$12,484	$9,290	22.1%
3	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
4	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
5	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
6	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
7	William Jewell College Liberty, Missouri	$16,602	$19,890	61.6%	41.0%
8	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
9	Fontbonne University Saint Louis, Missouri	$18,251	$28,976	56.8%	94.4%
10	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
11	Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, Missouri	$21,082	$28,320	51.2%	99.6%
12	Drury University Springfield, Missouri	$21,523	$35,235	66.0%	63.4%
13	Rockhurst University Kansas City, Missouri	$23,165	$43,420	75.6%	66.5%
14	Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,047	$27,166	71.5%	87.8%
15	Saint Louis University Saint Louis, Missouri	$27,075	$53,244	79.8%	84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost gap between Missouri's cheapest and most expensive medical lab programs?

Missouri Southern State University costs $11,653 annually while Saint Louis University reaches $27,075, creating a $15,422 difference. Public funding allows state schools to offer significantly lower net prices, with Missouri Southern's 99.48% acceptance rate indicating an open-access mission. Private institutions like Saint Louis University justify higher costs through superior graduation rates, with 79.80% completing degrees compared to Missouri Southern's 38.30%. The A+ Scholarship program further reduces costs at community colleges for qualifying Missouri students.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable medical laboratory programs in Missouri?

Graduation rates range dramatically from Lincoln University's concerning 22.10% to University of Missouri-Columbia's strong 76.20%. The most affordable schools often struggle with retention, as Missouri Southern manages only 38.30% despite rock-bottom costs. Mid-range options like Northwest Missouri State achieve 57.50% graduation rates while maintaining $14,824 net costs. Private schools generally outperform public institutions, with Rockhurst University reaching 75.60% though at higher cost.

Is the University of Missouri-Columbia worth the extra cost for medical laboratory science?

At $19,889 net cost, Missouri-Columbia costs $8,236 more than Missouri Southern but delivers a 76.20% graduation rate compared to 38.30%. Graduates earn $57,318 annually, the highest reported among Missouri programs, justifying the investment through superior career outcomes. The flagship university's research facilities and clinical partnerships with major Missouri healthcare systems provide advantages beyond graduation statistics. Missouri-Columbia's 79.13% acceptance rate remains accessible while maintaining academic standards.

Where can students find the best value in Missouri's medical laboratory science programs?

Southeast Missouri State University offers strong value at $14,532 net cost with a solid 55.70% graduation rate and 86.31% acceptance rate. Northwest Missouri State provides another strong option at $14,824 with 57.50% graduation rates, significantly outperforming cheaper alternatives. These mid-tier public universities balance affordability with academic success better than ultra-cheap options. William Jewell College represents the best private value at $16,602, competing directly with public school pricing while maintaining 61.60% graduation rates.

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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.