At $17,945/yr net price, Missouri Valley College graduates earn $43,221/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,221/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,945 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,780 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,221/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,221/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,950 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,550/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,802/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,712/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,033/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,044/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $25,290 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $25,500 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,653 |
The Risk Factor
24.5% of students at Missouri Valley College 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 Valley College presents a concerning financial picture with a graduate earning median of $43,221 against typical debt loads of $25,950. The 24.5% graduation rate means three-quarters of students leave without a degree, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
Your major choice at Missouri Valley matters significantly for financial outcomes. Health and Physical Education graduates earn $33,993, while Criminal Justice majors make $33,459 and Psychology graduates earn $32,653. These earnings barely justify the debt load, especially considering the low completion rates in these programs.
The school's 53% retention rate signals that many students struggle to persist through their second year. Combined with the graduation rate, this creates substantial financial risk. You face real odds of accumulating debt without finishing your degree.
Missouri Valley works best financially for students who can complete their degree in traditional timeframes and secure employment immediately after graduation. The rural Missouri location may limit internship and job opportunities compared to urban colleges, making post-graduation employment more challenging.
With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. The relatively low net price of $17,945 suggests the sticker price starts reasonable, but completion risk remains the primary concern.
You should consider Missouri Valley only if you have strong academic preparation, clear career goals, and backup transfer options. Students struggling academically or uncertain about their major should look at community colleges or four-year schools with higher retention rates. The combination of modest earnings potential and significant completion risk makes this a financially risky choice for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri Valley College worth the money?
Missouri Valley College has concerning ROI metrics with a 24.5% graduation rate and median earnings of $43,221 ten years after enrollment. The $25,950 median debt load may be difficult to manage given these relatively low post-graduation salaries.
What are the best paying majors at Missouri Valley College?
Health and Physical Education leads at $33,993 annually, followed by Criminal Justice at $33,459. However, all top programs at Missouri Valley College produce below-average starting salaries compared to national averages for college graduates.
How much debt do Missouri Valley College graduates have?
Missouri Valley College graduates carry a median debt of $25,950. With typical starting salaries around $33,000-34,000 for top programs, this debt burden represents a significant portion of early career earnings.
What is Missouri Valley College's graduation rate and job prospects?
Only 24.5% of students graduate from Missouri Valley College, which is well below national averages. The low completion rate combined with modest earning potential raises questions about the school's ability to deliver career outcomes that justify the investment.