At $11,653/yr net price, Missouri Southern State University graduates earn $42,620/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,620/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,653 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,620/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,620/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,174 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,021/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,467/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,646/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,035/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,196/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at Missouri Southern 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
Missouri Southern State University offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in select technical and healthcare programs but concerning overall graduation rates that create significant risk for your investment.
Your best financial bets are industrial production technologies at $57,318 annually and nursing at $54,515, both delivering solid returns on the university's low net price of $11,653 per year. Computer science graduates earn $47,930, making it another worthwhile option. These programs justify the investment and position you well in Missouri's manufacturing and healthcare job markets.
The major red flag is the 38% graduation rate, meaning six out of ten students leave without degrees while still carrying debt. The 70% retention rate shows many students struggle after their first year. If you're not academically prepared or lack clear career direction, you face real risk of joining the majority who don't finish.
This school works best if you're targeting one of the high-earning technical programs, can handle the academic demands, and want to stay in the region. The low sticker price makes it accessible, but only if you actually graduate. With median debt at $19,174, you won't be crushed by loans if you complete your degree in a strong program.
Look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major, need extensive academic support, or want programs outside the technical and healthcare fields where Missouri Southern shows strength. The graduation rate suggests this environment isn't supportive enough for students who need extra help succeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri Southern State University worth the cost?
Missouri Southern State University offers decent value with a low net price of $11,653 and relatively modest debt levels at $19,174. However, the 38% graduation rate and average earnings of $42,620 after 10 years suggest mixed returns on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Missouri Southern State University?
Industrial Production Technologies leads at $57,318 average earnings, followed by nursing programs at $54,515. These technical and healthcare programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $42,620.
How much debt do Missouri Southern State University graduates have?
The median debt is $19,174, which is manageable compared to many schools. With the low net price of $11,653 per year, students can often graduate with reasonable debt loads if they finish their programs.
What is the graduation rate at Missouri Southern State University?
Only 38% of students graduate, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's value proposition and increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.