Cheapest Physics Colleges in Missouri

Missouri Southern State University delivers the state's most affordable physics education at just $11,653 net cost, despite accepting 99.48% of applicants. This contrasts sharply with Washington University in St Louis, where physics students pay $22,117 after aid while benefiting from a 94.40% graduation rate. The $10,464 price gap between these programs reflects Missouri's mix of accessible public options and elite private institutions. Physics graduates in Missouri find opportunities with major employers like Cerner's healthcare technology division and Boeing's defense contracts, where analytical problem-solving skills prove valuable. The state's 19 physics programs span from Joplin near the Kansas border to St Louis, offering students paths into Missouri's growing tech and aerospace sectors that increasingly demand quantitative expertise.

Programs

$11,653 – $27,075

Net Price Range

$43,426

Avg. Program Earnings

60.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Physics 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	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	Lincoln University Jefferson City, Missouri	$12,484	$9,290	22.1%
5	University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri	$12,837	$11,988	55.9%	69.5%
6	Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, Missouri	$13,773	$14,278	63.6%	81.5%
7	Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Missouri	$14,532	$9,496	55.7%	86.3%
8	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$14,824	$10,181	57.5%	85.6%
9	William Jewell College Liberty, Missouri	$16,602	$19,890	61.6%	41.0%
10	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
11	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, Missouri	$19,889	$14,130	76.2%	79.1%
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	William Woods University Fulton, Missouri	$22,270	$28,860	57.0%	61.5%
16	Rockhurst University Kansas City, Missouri	$23,165	$43,420	75.6%	66.5%
17	Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Fayette, Missouri	$25,477	$27,140	52.5%	97.9%
18	Westminster College Fulton, Missouri	$26,111	$34,188	57.5%	75.3%
19	Saint Louis University Saint Louis, Missouri	$27,075	$53,244	79.8%	84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Missouri Southern State University's physics program so affordable?

Missouri Southern charges just $8,400 in-state tuition and maintains a $11,653 net price, making it the cheapest physics option statewide. The university accepts 99.48% of applicants, creating broad access to physics education. While the 38.30% graduation rate reflects challenges, the low cost allows students to pursue physics without accumulating significant debt. This combination of affordability and accessibility makes it attractive for first-generation college students exploring STEM fields.

How do graduation rates vary among Missouri's affordable physics programs?

Truman State University achieves a 68.40% graduation rate at $12,030 net cost, demonstrating strong academic support systems. Missouri University of Science and Technology reaches 63.60% completion at $13,773, reflecting its engineering-focused environment. In contrast, Lincoln University graduates only 22.10% of students despite charging $12,484 net price. These differences highlight how institutional resources and student support services impact physics degree completion beyond just tuition costs.

Is Washington University in St Louis worth the higher physics program cost?

Washington University commands $22,117 net price but delivers a 94.40% graduation rate and accepts only 11.76% of applicants. This selectivity and success rate far exceed other Missouri physics programs, though the cost doubles that of most alternatives. The university's research opportunities and industry connections often justify the premium for students seeking competitive graduate school placement. However, students should weigh this against debt load since physics graduates earn $43,426 according to available data.

Where do Missouri physics graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Missouri's physics graduates enter roles with technology companies like Cerner, aerospace firms including Boeing's St Louis operations, and research institutions. The state's healthcare sector offers medical physics positions, while agricultural companies like Monsanto provide analytical roles requiring physics backgrounds. Defense contractors throughout Missouri seek physics graduates for radar systems and materials testing. The $43,426 median earnings reflect these varied career paths, though individual salaries vary significantly based on specialization and geographic location within Missouri.

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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.