Skip to main content

Cheapest Human Development Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks charges just $7,669 net cost for Human Development and Family Studies programs, making it Missouri's most affordable option by a significant margin. The state's 13 programs range from this low point to $26,047 at Maryville University. Missouri's strong healthcare sector, anchored by employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner, creates steady demand for family services professionals. Public universities like Missouri State University-West Plains offer in-state tuition as low as $5,544, while private institutions command premium pricing but often provide targeted career preparation for the state's growing social services industry.
13
Programs
$7,669 – $26,047
Net Price Range
$27,562
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $9,384 $5,544 35.1%
3 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
4 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
5 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
6 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
7 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
8 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
9 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
10 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
11 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
12 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
13 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable for Human Development students?

College of the Ozarks requires students to work on campus in exchange for tuition, creating their famous 'no-tuition' model. This results in a net cost of just $7,669, nearly $2,000 less than the next cheapest option. The school accepts only 21% of applicants and maintains a 61% graduation rate.

How do public university costs compare to private schools in Missouri?

Public universities charge in-state tuition ranging from $5,544 to $14,130, while private institutions range from $16,400 to $33,122. Missouri State University-West Plains offers the lowest published tuition at $5,544, though its 35% graduation rate trails other public options. The cost gap between public and private averages about $15,000 annually.

Do Missouri graduates in this field earn enough to justify student debt?

Graduates earn between $23,930 and $29,290 according to available data, with Missouri State-Springfield showing the highest at $29,290. Average debt loads range from $19,500 to $26,000 among reporting schools. These earnings align with entry-level social services positions in Missouri's healthcare and family support sectors.

Which schools have the strongest graduation rates for Human Development programs?

University of Missouri-Columbia leads with a 76% graduation rate, followed by Maryville University at 71%. Both charge significantly more than budget options, with net costs of $19,889 and $26,047 respectively. College of the Ozarks achieves a solid 61% rate despite its unique work-study model and low cost.

More Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Rankings

Best Value Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services in Missouri Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services in Missouri

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