Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Missouri

Computer Science students in Missouri face a cost spectrum spanning nearly $20,000, from College of the Ozarks at $7,669 net price to programs reaching $27,075. The most striking outlier sits at Washington University in St Louis, where graduates earn $99,517 annually despite the program's $22,117 net cost after aid. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with Truman State at $12,030 and University of Missouri-St Louis at $12,323 offering strong value propositions. Missouri's tech sector, anchored by companies like Cerner in Kansas City and expanding healthcare technology throughout the state, creates demand for graduates across various price points. The earnings data reveals significant variation, from $39,009 to nearly six figures, suggesting that school choice impacts both immediate costs and long-term financial outcomes. Students can leverage the state's A+ Scholarship for community college pathways before transferring to four-year programs, potentially reducing overall expenses while positioning themselves for Missouri's growing technology and healthcare sectors.

Programs

$7,669 – $27,075

Net Price Range

$62,590

Avg. Program Earnings

57.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer Science 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	Truman State University Kirksville, Missouri	$12,030	$9,470	68.4%	45.1%
3	University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$12,323	$13,440	56.9%	51.1%
4	Missouri Western State University Saint Joseph, Missouri	$12,638	$9,800	39.8%
5	University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri	$12,837	$11,988	55.9%	69.5%
6	Calvary University Kansas City, Missouri	$12,860	$13,692	52.6%	63.2%
7	Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies Fayette, Missouri	$14,774	$6,960		100.0%
8	University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, Missouri	$15,336	$9,739	49.4%	71.3%
9	Park University Parkville, Missouri	$15,529	$16,400	30.0%
10	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
11	Missouri Valley College Marshall, Missouri	$17,945	$23,000	24.5%	61.2%
12	Southwest Baptist University Bolivar, Missouri	$21,082	$28,320	51.2%	99.6%
13	Drury University Springfield, Missouri	$21,523	$35,235	66.0%	63.4%
14	Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$22,117	$62,982	94.4%	11.8%
15	Rockhurst University Kansas City, Missouri	$23,165	$43,420	75.6%	66.5%
16	Columbia College Columbia, Missouri	$24,051	$24,326	45.7%
17	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, Missouri	$25,477	$27,140	52.5%	97.9%
18	Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,047	$27,166	71.5%	87.8%
19	Webster University Saint Louis, Missouri	$26,196	$30,730	61.1%	55.1%
20	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 offers the lowest net price at $7,669 despite being a private institution with a $21,290 sticker price. The school operates a work-study program where students work on campus to offset tuition costs. With only 21.13% acceptance rate and 61.30% graduation rate, the program maintains selectivity while keeping costs down through its unique financial model.

How do public university Computer Science programs compare in Missouri?

Public universities cluster in the $12,000-$17,500 net price range, with Truman State leading at $12,030 and University of Missouri-St Louis close behind at $12,323. These schools offer in-state tuition advantages, with Truman charging just $9,470 for residents. Missouri State University-Springfield provides middle-ground pricing at $17,502 net cost while maintaining a 92.56% acceptance rate.

Does Washington University justify its higher costs with better outcomes?

Washington University graduates earn $99,517 annually, nearly $40,000 more than the next highest program and 60% above typical Missouri CS salaries. The school maintains a 94.40% graduation rate and keeps student debt at $15,250, well below state averages. With an 11.76% acceptance rate, the program combines selectivity with strong financial returns despite the higher net price.

Where can Computer Science students find the best value in Missouri?

University of Missouri-Kansas City offers strong value at $12,837 net price with graduates earning $65,871 annually and carrying $21,773 in debt. The school accepts 69.48% of applicants while maintaining 55.90% graduation rates. This combination of accessibility, moderate costs, and above-average earnings makes it particularly attractive for students seeking balance between affordability and outcomes.

What role does Missouri's job market play in Computer Science graduate success?

Missouri's healthcare and technology sectors, including employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare, create varied opportunities for CS graduates earning between $39,009 and $99,517. The state's A+ Scholarship program allows students to start at community colleges before transferring, reducing overall costs. Regional demand in Kansas City and St Louis technology hubs supports graduates from both budget-friendly public programs and higher-cost private institutions.

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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.