Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Missouri

College of the Ozarks delivers the most affordable Computer and Information Sciences program in Missouri at just $7,669 net cost, despite accepting only 21% of applicants. This makes quality computer science education surprisingly accessible compared to Truman State's $12,030, where graduates earn $73,530 annually. Missouri's tech sector continues expanding with major employers like Cerner driving demand for skilled programmers and systems analysts. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest programs coming from state schools. The earnings spread tells an interesting story, ranging from $47,930 at Missouri Southern to $73,530 at Truman State. Missouri Western keeps costs low at $12,638 while maintaining reasonable debt levels of $18,350. The state's A+ Scholarship program helps students transition from community colleges into these four-year programs. With acceptance rates varying from Ozarks' selective 21% to Missouri Southern's nearly open 99%, students can find programs matching their academic profiles while staying within budget.

Programs

$7,669 – $27,075

Net Price Range

$60,001

Avg. Program Earnings

57.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri	$7,669	$21,290	61.3%	21.1%
2	Missouri Southern State University Joplin, Missouri	$11,653	$8,400	38.3%	99.5%
3	Truman State University Kirksville, Missouri	$12,030	$9,470	68.4%	45.1%
4	University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$12,323	$13,440	56.9%	51.1%
5	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
6	University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri	$12,837	$11,988	55.9%	69.5%
7	Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri	$13,773	$14,278	63.6%	81.5%
8	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
9	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
10	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
11	Park University Parkville, Missouri	$15,529	$16,400	30.0%
12	Avila University Kansas City, Missouri	$16,939	$38,672	42.6%	67.6%
13	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
14	Fontbonne University Saint Louis, Missouri	$18,251	$28,976	56.8%	94.4%
15	Lindenwood University Saint Charles, Missouri	$18,516	$21,100	50.3%	74.0%
16	Evangel University Springfield, Missouri	$18,705	$27,192	64.8%	67.9%
17	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
18	Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, Missouri	$21,082	$28,320	51.2%	99.6%
19	Hannibal-LaGrange University Hannibal, Missouri	$21,123	$26,880	44.3%	67.1%
20	Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$22,117	$62,982	94.4%	11.8%
21	Rockhurst University Kansas City, Missouri	$23,165	$43,420	75.6%	66.5%
22	Columbia College Columbia, Missouri	$24,051	$24,326	45.7%
23	Missouri Baptist University Saint Louis, Missouri	$25,807	$33,122	48.2%	70.9%
24	Westminster College Fulton, Missouri	$26,111	$34,188	57.5%	75.3%
25	Webster University Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,196	$30,730	61.1%	55.1%
26	Saint Louis University Saint Louis, Missouri	$27,075	$53,244	79.8%	84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable for computer science students?

College of the Ozarks charges a net cost of just $7,669, making it Missouri's cheapest option for Computer and Information Sciences. The school's work-study program helps offset costs significantly. However, admission is highly competitive with only 21% of applicants accepted. Students graduate with a 61% completion rate, which exceeds many affordable alternatives.

How do earnings compare between Missouri's cheapest computer science programs?

Truman State leads earnings at $73,530 annually despite costing $12,030, while Missouri Southern graduates earn $47,930 with an $11,653 net cost. Missouri University of Science and Technology produces graduates earning $69,140 at a $13,773 cost. The earnings gap of $25,600 between highest and lowest shows significant variation in post-graduation outcomes.

Is Missouri Southern State University worth considering despite lower graduate earnings?

Missouri Southern accepts 99% of applicants and costs $11,653, making it extremely accessible for computer science students. Graduates earn $47,930 annually, which is lower than other programs but still provides solid entry-level opportunities. The 38% graduation rate suggests academic support may be limited. Students should weigh the open admission policy against completion and earning outcomes.

Does attending Missouri's public universities significantly reduce computer science costs?

Public universities offer substantial savings, with in-state tuition ranging from $8,400 at Missouri Southern to $14,278 at Missouri S&T. Net costs for public schools span $11,653 to $17,502 across the affordable options. Private schools like Avila University charge $16,939 net cost compared to public alternatives. The A+ Scholarship further reduces costs for students transferring from community colleges.

Where can computer science graduates find the best job opportunities in Missouri?

Kansas City and St. Louis anchor Missouri's tech sector, with companies like Cerner leading healthcare technology development. BJC HealthCare and other major employers actively recruit computer science graduates for systems analysis and programming roles. Missouri's agriculture and defense sectors also provide technology opportunities beyond traditional tech companies. Graduates earning $63,005 from UMKC benefit from the Kansas City tech corridor's growth.

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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.