At $13,459/yr net price, Harris-Stowe State University graduates earn $31,088/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,459 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,088/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,912/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,930 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,412/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,088/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,521/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,501/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,616/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,830 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $29,374 | $34,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $24,150 |
The Risk Factor
27.4% of students at Harris-Stowe State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Harris-Stowe State University delivers poor financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $31,088 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate below 28%, your chances of completing your degree and earning enough to justify the cost are slim.
The school's top-earning programs still pay poorly compared to national averages. Criminal Justice graduates earn just $29,685 annually while carrying $27,830 in debt. Education majors fare slightly better at $29,374 but graduate with even higher debt at $34,500. Business Administration offers the lowest debt load at $24,150 but also the weakest earnings at $25,967. None of these programs generate strong financial returns.
Your biggest financial risk at Harris-Stowe is failing to graduate. With only 27% of students completing their degrees and a retention rate below 70%, you face high odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The median debt of $25,930 becomes particularly burdensome when paired with low completion rates and weak earnings.
This school might work financially if you qualify for substantial need-based aid and plan to stay in Missouri's lower-cost job markets. The $13,459 net price is reasonable, and 73% of students receive financial aid. You should consider Harris-Stowe only if you have limited college options, strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds, or specific career goals that align with their programs and local job market.
Most students should look elsewhere. Higher-performing regional universities or community colleges followed by transfer offer better financial prospects than Harris-Stowe's combination of low graduation rates and weak post-graduation earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harris-Stowe State University worth the cost?
Harris-Stowe State University has a low ROI with graduates earning $31,088 ten years after enrollment while carrying $25,930 in median debt. The 27% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degree at all.
What are the best paying majors at Harris-Stowe State University?
Criminal Justice graduates from Harris-Stowe earn $29,685 annually, followed by Education at $29,374 and Business at $25,967. All three programs produce below-average earnings compared to national standards for college graduates.
How much debt do Harris-Stowe State University graduates have?
Harris-Stowe graduates carry a median debt of $25,930, which represents a significant burden given the $31,088 average earnings. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Harris-Stowe State University?
Only 27% of students graduate from Harris-Stowe State University. This means nearly three out of four students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying student loan debt.