At $9,384/yr net price, Missouri State University-West Plains graduates earn $36,922/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,922/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,384 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,922/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,922/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 12.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,946/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,037/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,751/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,170/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,719/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. | Associate | $42,235 | $14,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,810 | $9,625 |
The Risk Factor
35.1% of students at Missouri State University-West Plains 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 State University-West Plains delivers strong returns for nursing students but questionable value for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning $42,235 annually with manageable debt of $14,750, creating a solid pathway into Missouri's healthcare job market.
Liberal arts graduates face a different reality. With median earnings of just $22,810 and debt of $9,625, you're looking at a degree that barely pays above minimum wage in many Missouri markets. The low graduation rate of 35% compounds this risk, meaning many students accumulate debt without completing their programs.
The school's $9,384 annual net price keeps costs reasonable, but the broader earnings picture remains concerning. At $36,922 in median earnings across all programs, graduates earn less than many skilled trades that require no college debt. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited institutional support beyond basic federal programs.
This school works best for career-focused students entering nursing or using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer to a four-year institution. The nursing program offers clear employment prospects in rural Missouri's healthcare sector. However, students pursuing general studies or liberal arts face poor financial prospects and should consider alternative paths or transferring after completing basic coursework here at lower cost.
Avoid this school if you're seeking broad career flexibility or strong earning potential outside healthcare. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in non-nursing fields creates significant financial risk for undecided students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri State University-West Plains worth the cost for most students?
Missouri State University-West Plains offers a low net price of $9,384 per year, but graduates earn only $36,922 annually after 10 years. With a 35% graduation rate, many students don't complete their programs, making the investment risky for most majors outside of nursing.
What programs at Missouri State University-West Plains have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Missouri State University-West Plains lead to median earnings of $42,235, which provides decent returns given the low tuition costs. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn just $22,810, making these programs poor financial investments.
How much debt do Missouri State University-West Plains graduates typically have?
Missouri State University-West Plains graduates carry a median debt of $10,000, which is relatively low compared to other colleges. However, with low post-graduation earnings for most programs, even this modest debt burden can be challenging to repay.
What is the biggest financial risk of attending Missouri State University-West Plains?
The biggest risk at Missouri State University-West Plains is the 35% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't finish their degrees. Students who drop out still face debt without the earnings boost that comes with completing a program.