Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.3%
- Retention Rate
- 69.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $42,620
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,174
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $203/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,515 | $22,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $51,482 | $22,143 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $47,930 | |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $17,963 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | $13,375 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $39,729 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $38,946 | $18,116 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,363 | $19,990 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $34,298 | $18,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,543 | $21,616 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $18,686 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,270 | $19,504 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $21,604 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $20,249 |
Outcomes Overview
Missouri Southern graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $19,174, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 when measured against their $42,620 median income after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $203 consume about 6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong ties to southwest Missouri's healthcare, education, and business sectors help explain the solid 95.5% employment rate. Many graduates find work in regional hospitals, school districts, and local companies that value the practical, career-focused education Missouri Southern provides. The combination of low debt, reasonable earnings, and strong job placement makes this a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable regional education.