At $12,638/yr net price, Missouri Western State University graduates earn $42,647/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,647/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,638 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,647/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,647/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,968 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,342/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,014/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,834/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,231/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,619/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,643 | $22,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $50,606 | $18,350 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $50,439 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $43,128 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,821 | $22,810 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $39,741 | $19,381 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $39,369 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $20,500 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $24,935 |
The Risk Factor
39.8% of students at Missouri Western State University 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 Western State University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in technical fields but concerning overall graduation rates that create significant financial risk for your investment.
Your best financial bets are Industrial Production Technologies and Nursing, both exceeding $57,000 in median earnings. Computer Science graduates also perform well at $50,606 with below-average debt loads of $18,350. Construction Engineering Technologies rounds out the strong-earning programs. These technical majors justify the investment and position you well in Missouri's manufacturing and healthcare job markets.
The major red flag is the 39.8% graduation rate, meaning six out of ten students leave without degrees but potentially with debt. The 59% retention rate signals academic struggles that could derail your plans. If you're not academically prepared or lack strong study habits, this school poses serious financial risk.
Missouri Western works financially for motivated students targeting high-demand technical fields, especially if you can secure in-state tuition. The $12,638 net price is reasonable, and typical debt loads under $20,000 remain manageable for graduates in strong-earning programs. The school makes sense if you need affordable access to nursing, technology, or engineering programs without the premium costs of flagship universities.
Avoid Missouri Western if you're considering liberal arts majors, need extensive academic support, or have weak high school preparation. The low graduation rates suggest limited support systems for struggling students. Look elsewhere if you're unsure about your major, as the school's strengths cluster heavily in technical fields that require clear career direction from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Missouri Western State University worth the cost?
Missouri Western State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $12,638 annually and manageable debt levels around $19,968. However, the 40% graduation rate and $42,647 median earnings suggest mixed returns on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Missouri Western State University?
Industrial Production Technologies and Nursing programs at Missouri Western State University lead earnings at around $57,000-$59,000 annually. Computer Science and Construction Engineering also perform well at roughly $50,000, while other programs may struggle to justify costs.
How much student debt do Missouri Western State University graduates typically have?
Missouri Western State University graduates carry a median debt of $19,968, which is reasonable compared to national averages. The low annual net price helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Missouri Western State University?
Missouri Western State University has a 40% graduation rate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This creates significant financial risk for students who accumulate debt without completing their program.