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 produces weak financial returns. Ten years after enrolling, you earn about $31,000 a year, which barely clears what many people make without a degree. Against a median debt near $26,000, that repayment eats into a thin paycheck for years. The financial math here is difficult, and you should go in with clear eyes.
None of the three top-earning bachelor's programs breaks $30,000 in median earnings a decade out. Criminal Justice pays the most, but only by a few hundred dollars over Education, and Education saddles you with the highest debt of the three at $34,500. That combination , top debt, middling pay , makes Education the weakest bet on paper. Business Administration flips it: the lowest debt of the group, but also the lowest earnings, under $26,000. In St. Louis, where the criminal justice and public-sector job market is real, that major is your safest financial choice here.
The biggest risk is that you don't finish. Only about one in four students graduates, and roughly a third don't return after their first year. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome, and it's a live possibility at Harris-Stowe. If you enroll, treat finishing on time as the whole game.
The net price barely moves by income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $12,400. if you earn over $110,000, you pay about $19,600. That flat structure means lower-income families carry a heavier relative load and should compare aid packages elsewhere before committing.
This school fits you if you're local, cost-conscious, aiming at a public-sector or education career in the St. Louis area, and confident you'll graduate. If you're chasing high earnings or unsure about finishing, look at schools with stronger completion rates and pay.
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.