At $17,502/yr net price, Missouri State University-Springfield graduates earn $49,827/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,827/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,502 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,827/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,827/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,992 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,238/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,195/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,688/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,590/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,887/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $175,202 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $144,240 | $69,145 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $95,169 | $59,227 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $73,635 | |
| Security Policy and Strategy. | Master | $67,164 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $66,592 | $73,214 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,579 | $21,500 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $22,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,402 | $18,000 |
The Risk Factor
57.3% of students at Missouri State University-Springfield graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Missouri State University-Springfield offers mixed returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The nursing programs deliver strong value, with graduates earning $144,240 to $175,202 annually despite higher debt loads. These healthcare tracks justify their costs in a regional market hungry for medical professionals.
Your financial risk centers on program selection. While nursing and allied health graduates see strong returns, the overall median earnings of $49,827 suggest many other majors struggle to deliver adequate payback on the $17,502 annual net price. Communication disorders and engineering-related fields provide decent middle-ground options.
The 57% graduation rate creates additional risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium. The 79% retention rate indicates many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year.
You'll find limited financial aid opportunities here, with only 21% of students receiving aid. This makes Missouri State primarily suitable for in-state students who can minimize borrowing or those targeting high-earning healthcare programs. The $21,992 median debt load remains manageable for nursing graduates but problematic for lower-earning majors.
Missouri State works financially if you can commit to nursing or allied health programs and complete your degree. The Springfield job market supports these healthcare careers well. However, if you're considering other majors or need significant financial aid, you should explore alternatives with stronger earning outcomes or more generous aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri State University-Springfield worth the cost?
Missouri State University-Springfield offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $17,502 per year and moderate debt levels. However, the 57% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Missouri State University-Springfield?
Nursing programs at Missouri State University-Springfield lead earnings with graduates making $144,000-$175,000 annually. Engineering-related fields and allied health programs also show strong returns, while most other majors fall well below the national average.
How much debt do Missouri State University-Springfield graduates have?
Missouri State University-Springfield graduates leave with a median debt of $21,992, which is manageable for nursing and engineering majors but risky for lower-paying fields. The key is choosing a high-return program since average earnings are only $49,827 after 10 years.
Does Missouri State University-Springfield have good financial aid?
Missouri State University-Springfield keeps costs reasonable with a net price of $17,502 after aid, making it more affordable than many state universities. The financial aid appears adequate for keeping debt levels moderate, though outcomes depend heavily on your chosen major.