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 gives you a middle-of-the-road financial return. You pay under $15,000 a year and leave with median debt around $21,500, which is manageable against typical earnings a decade out. The debt-to-earnings math works, but nothing here screams high payoff unless you pick your major carefully.
The gap between programs is what matters. Computer and Information Sciences graduates out-earn the school median by roughly $17,000, and Management Information Systems isn't far behind. If you're studying tech or business analytics here, the numbers work in your favor. Accounting and Finance land in the high $40,000s to $50,000s, solid for the debt they carry. Plant Sciences, tied to the surrounding agricultural region, sits near the school-wide median with the lowest debt of the top programs, so it pays off relative to what you borrow even if the raw salary is modest.
The main risk is completion. A 57.5% grad rate and a 74% retention rate mean a real chance you take on debt without finishing. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome here, and roughly a quarter of your entering class won't return after year one. That's the number to watch before you enroll.
If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $11,000 to $12,000 a year, and financial aid softens the cost meaningfully. Above $110,000, you're paying close to $19,742, nearly double the lowest tier, so the value proposition tightens.
This school fits you if you're staying in the region, targeting tech, business, or agriculture, and want low debt. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for a major outside these strengths or if you're unsure you'll finish, since the completion odds cut into the return.
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.