Skip to main content

Cheapest Economics Colleges in Missouri

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Truman State University stands out among Missouri's 18 Economics programs with a remarkably low net price of $12,030, making it the most affordable option in the state. The $14,166 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs creates clear tiers for students planning their education budgets. Missouri's agricultural and healthcare sectors offer strong career prospects for Economics graduates, with major employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare driving demand for analytical skills. Graduates from Missouri University of Science and Technology earn the highest median salary at $69,338, demonstrating how program choice impacts long-term financial outcomes. The state's 18 programs range from highly selective Washington University in St. Louis with an 11.76% acceptance rate to more accessible options like Missouri State University-Springfield at 92.56%. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest programs offered by state institutions.
18
Programs
$12,030 – $26,196
Net Price Range
$47,707
Avg. Program Earnings
59.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
2 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
3 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
4 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
5 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
6 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
7 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
8 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
9 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
10 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
11 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
12 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
13 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
14 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
15 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
16 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
17 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
18 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $57,308 earnings gap between Missouri Economics graduates?

Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates earn $69,338 annually, while Missouri State University-Springfield graduates average $40,132. This $29,206 difference reflects the technical focus at Missouri S&T, where Economics students often work in engineering firms and technology companies. The school's 63.6% graduation rate and strong industry connections in Rolla contribute to these higher earning outcomes.

How do private colleges compare to public options for affordability?

Public universities claim eight of the ten most affordable spots, with net prices between $12,030 and $15,336. Private institutions like William Jewell College at $16,602 and Park University at $15,529 offer competitive pricing among nonprofit colleges. Washington University in St. Louis charges $62,982 in sticker price but provides substantial aid, resulting in a $22,117 net cost for qualifying students.

Is the University of Missouri system worth considering for Economics?

The four-campus system offers varied price points from $12,323 at UM-St. Louis to $19,889 at the flagship Columbia campus. Kansas City provides strong career connections with a $47,260 median salary, while St. Louis offers the lowest net price at $12,323. Columbia delivers the highest graduation rate at 76.2% among system schools, justifying its higher cost for many students.

Where do Missouri A+ Scholarship recipients find the best value?

Students using A+ benefits for community college can transfer to complete Economics degrees at public universities with in-state tuition ranging from $9,024 to $14,278. Southeast Missouri State at $9,496 and University of Central Missouri at $9,739 provide affordable completion options. The 55.7% to 57.5% graduation rates at these transfer-friendly institutions make them practical choices for A+ recipients.

More Economics Rankings

Best Value Economics in Missouri Economics Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All Economics Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best Economics in Missouri

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