At $13,773/yr net price, Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates earn $82,957/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $48,957/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,773 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $82,957/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$48,957/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,530/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,333/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,585/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,140/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,558/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $83,915 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Metallurgical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,200 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,358 | $24,250 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,112 | $27,000 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,214 | $27,750 |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | Master | $71,575 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $71,351 | |
| Geological/Geophysical Engineering. | Certificate | $70,886 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Certificate | $70,776 |
The Risk Factor
63.6% of students at Missouri University of Science and Technology graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Missouri University of Science and Technology delivers strong financial returns for STEM-focused students, with median earnings of $82,957 creating a solid payoff on the $13,773 annual net price. Your debt load stays manageable at $23,250, well below national averages for engineering schools.
Engineering majors see the strongest returns, with engineering-related fields topping out at $83,915 annually. Computer and electrical engineering programs also break $73,000, making the modest debt loads worthwhile. Business administration offers a respectable $76,460 for students wanting to pivot from pure technical fields. Metallurgical engineering, despite the school's mining heritage, trails other engineering disciplines at $74,200.
The main financial risk lies in the 63.6% graduation rate, meaning over one-third of students leave without a degree. This creates significant downside if you struggle with the technical coursework or don't connect with the engineering culture. The 86% retention rate suggests most students who make it past freshman year will finish.
You're a strong financial fit here if you're committed to engineering or computer science and can handle the workload. The low sticker price makes this accessible even without major financial aid. Skip this school if you're undecided about your major or prefer liberal arts, as the limited program variety means fewer backup options if you change direction.
Only 20.75% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting either the low net price makes aid unnecessary or the school has limited aid resources. Focus on merit scholarships if you need additional funding beyond the already affordable base price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri University of Science and Technology worth the cost?
Yes, for engineering students. With a net price of $13,773 and median 10-year earnings of $82,957, Missouri S&T delivers strong ROI. Engineering graduates earn $73,000-$83,915 starting salaries, making the $23,250 median debt manageable.
What programs at Missouri University of Science and Technology have the best ROI?
Engineering-related fields top the list at $83,915 average earnings, followed by business programs at $76,460. Computer and electrical engineering also pay well at $73,000+, while metallurgical engineering averages $74,200.
How much debt do Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates typically have?
Median debt is $23,250, which is reasonable given the school's strong earning potential. Engineering graduates can typically pay this off quickly with starting salaries in the $70,000+ range.
What are the downsides of attending Missouri University of Science and Technology?
The 63.6% graduation rate is concerning, meaning over one-third of students don't finish. If you're not pursuing engineering or business, the ROI drops significantly since these are the school's main strengths.