Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.7%
- Retention Rate
- 75.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,030
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,342 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $20,854 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $20,296 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $22,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,527 | $18,402 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $47,260 | $33,488 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $24,395 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $41,789 | $17,384 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,441 | $21,487 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $38,829 | $13,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $18,985 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 | $14,279 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $21,497 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,568 | $34,697 |
Outcomes Overview
Southeast Missouri State graduates earn a median of $44,030 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 49% with typical debt of $21,500. Monthly loan payments of $228 consume about 6% of graduates' income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong teacher education programs feed into Missouri's public school systems, where starting salaries align with these earnings figures. A 96.6% employment rate reflects solid regional employer connections, particularly in education, healthcare, and business sectors throughout southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. The affordable tuition structure and reasonable debt loads create a strong return on investment for students seeking stable careers in the region.