At $14,824/yr net price, Northwest Missouri State University graduates earn $47,885/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,885/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,824 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,296 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,885/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,885/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,120/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,907/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,258/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,939/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,742/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
57.5% of students at Northwest Missouri State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Northwest Missouri State University offers decent financial returns for a regional public university, though your success depends heavily on your major choice. The school's $14,824 annual net price keeps debt manageable, with most graduates owing $21,500.
Computer science majors earn the strongest returns at $65,387 annually, making the degree worth pursuing here. Business programs perform solidly, with management information systems hitting $58,673 and general business administration reaching $51,197. Accounting and finance majors can expect around $50,000, which provides reasonable payback given the moderate debt levels.
The school's 57% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students don't finish, meaning they carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings. The 74% retention rate suggests academic support issues that could derail your investment.
You'll find this school financially suitable if you plan to study business or computer science and can handle the academic demands. The regional Missouri job market supports these graduates reasonably well. Avoid Northwest Missouri State if you're considering lower-earning majors or struggle with college-level coursework, given the completion challenges.
Only 27% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance beyond federal programs. Focus on completing your degree quickly to maximize returns, as the school's academic environment appears challenging for many students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest Missouri State University worth the cost?
Northwest Missouri State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $14,824 and manageable debt levels around $21,500. However, the 57% graduation rate and average earnings of $47,885 after 10 years indicate mixed outcomes that depend heavily on your chosen program.
What are the best paying majors at Northwest Missouri State University?
Computer science graduates from Northwest Missouri State earn around $65,387, while management information systems majors make $58,673. Business programs like accounting ($50,439) and finance ($48,198) also provide decent returns on investment.
How much debt do Northwest Missouri State University students graduate with?
The median debt at Northwest Missouri State University is $21,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. With the relatively low net price of $14,824 per year, most students can avoid excessive borrowing.
What is the graduation rate at Northwest Missouri State University?
Northwest Missouri State University has a 57% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. This below-average completion rate poses a significant risk to your investment, especially if you don't graduate.