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 S&T pays off if you finish an engineering degree, and the school is built almost entirely around that bet. The median graduate earns nearly $83,000 ten years out against a net price under $14,000 a year and typical debt of $23,250. That gap between cost and payoff is wide, and it holds up against schools that cost far more.
The engineering programs carry the whole return. Metallurgical, electrical, computer, petroleum, and mining engineering all land graduates in the low-to-mid $70,000s starting out. These are the majors the school is known for, and the regional and national demand for engineers is what makes the numbers work. Note that debt runs higher in these programs, around $27,000 for metallurgical and petroleum, so you borrow more than the school-wide median to earn these salaries.
The specific risk here is fit. Missouri S&T is a technical school. If you enroll unsure about engineering or the hard sciences, the payoff you see in the top programs may not apply to you, and the 63.6% graduation rate means a real share of students leave without a degree. Leaving with debt and no credential is the worst financial outcome, and petroleum and mining engineering also tie your earnings to commodity cycles that can swing.
On price, families under $30,000 pay about $9,530 a year, and cost rises with income to roughly $16,500 above $110,000. Even at the top tier, the price stays low for a degree that returns $83,000 in median earnings.
Come here if you want an engineering or technical degree and intend to finish one. If you are undecided about your major or drawn to fields outside science and engineering, the earnings figures on this page won't describe your result, and another school may serve you better.
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.