Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.5%
- Retention Rate
- 74.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $47,885
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $65,387 | $21,975 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,197 | $20,499 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 | $23,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $48,198 | |
| Plant Sciences. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $21,500 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $45,715 | $23,250 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $45,696 | $15,924 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $45,128 | $17,000 |
| Agriculture, General. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $17,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,379 | $17,844 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $17,250 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $18,089 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,342 | $20,288 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $40,605 | $17,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Northwest Missouri State graduates earn a median of $47,885 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 45%. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume about 5.7% of typical graduate income. The school's strong teacher education program feeds graduates into Missouri's public school system, where starting salaries align with state averages. With 97.7% of graduates finding employment, job placement rates exceed national benchmarks. However, the 57.5% six-year graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. Teachers and education administrators represent the largest alumni groups, reflecting Northwest's historical mission as a normal school. The financial return offers average value for students who graduate and enter education careers.