At $21,887/yr net price, Mission University graduates earn $38,641/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,641/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,887 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $87,548 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,641/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,641/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,168 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,958/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,855/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,326/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,839/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,482/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
The Risk Factor
38.2% of students at Mission 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
Mission University delivers weak financial returns that should give most students pause. With median earnings of just $38,641 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate below 40%, your investment faces serious headwinds in Springfield's limited job market.
The numbers tell a concerning story across academic programs. Even the highest-earning major, Religion/Religious Studies, produces median salaries of only $28,598, which barely covers typical living expenses. Other programs likely perform worse, creating a troubling pattern where few degrees justify the cost.
Your biggest financial risk here is the combination of low completion rates and modest earning potential. With only 38% of students graduating, you face real odds of leaving with debt but no degree. The 70% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition early and transfer elsewhere.
Mission University might work financially if you receive substantial merit aid or need-based assistance that dramatically reduces your costs below the $21,887 net price. Nearly half of students receive aid, suggesting the school uses discounting to attract enrollment. If you can attend for significantly less than sticker price and plan to pursue graduate school or ministry work where salary expectations differ, the math might work.
Otherwise, you should seriously consider alternatives. The Springfield job market lacks the high-paying opportunities that could offset modest campus outcomes. State universities in Missouri offer better graduation rates and earning potential at lower costs. Private schools with stronger regional employer connections would serve your financial interests better than Mission University's current performance metrics suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mission University worth the cost?
Mission University's graduates earn $38,641 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for a $21,887 annual cost. With only a 38% graduation rate and median debt of $26,168, the financial return is weak compared to other colleges.
What programs at Mission University have the best job prospects?
Religion/Religious Studies is the top program at Mission University, but graduates in this field earn just $28,598 annually. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio given the school's costs and typical student debt levels.
How much debt do Mission University students typically graduate with?
Mission University graduates carry a median debt of $26,168. Given that typical earnings are $38,641 ten years post-graduation, this debt burden represents about 68% of annual income.
What is Mission University's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Mission University has a 38% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their degree. Students who don't graduate still carry debt but miss out on the earnings boost that comes with completing college.