At $14,532/yr net price, Southeast Missouri State University graduates earn $44,030/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,030/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,532 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,030/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,030/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.7% |
| 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 | $11,453/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,371/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,576/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,253/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,562/yr |
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 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $22,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $20,296 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
55.7% of students at Southeast 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
Southeast Missouri State University offers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in select programs but concerning graduation rates that undermine your investment.
Your choice of major makes or breaks the financial equation here. Nursing graduates earn $93,342 annually with manageable debt loads, making this program one of the strongest ROI opportunities in Missouri's public system. Business administration also delivers solid returns at $70,456, while engineering technology and computer science both hit the $53,000 range. These programs justify the $14,532 annual net price.
The 55.70% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students accumulate debt without earning degrees, making program selection and academic support important for your success. The 75.85% retention rate suggests many students realize early that SEMO may not be the right fit.
You should consider SEMO if you plan to study nursing, business, or technical fields and prefer staying in Missouri's job market. The school works financially for students who can graduate on time in high-earning programs. However, if you're undecided on major or considering liberal arts fields, the combination of modest overall earnings and low graduation rates creates substantial financial risk.
With only 29.42% of students receiving aid, SEMO expects most families to pay the full net price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a proven high-earning program and maintaining strong academic performance to avoid becoming part of the 44% who don't graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast Missouri State University worth the cost?
Southeast Missouri State University offers decent value for in-state students with a net price of $14,532 and median debt of $21,500. However, the 10-year median earnings of $44,030 are below national averages, making ROI heavily dependent on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying majors at Southeast Missouri State University?
Nursing programs at Southeast Missouri State University lead earnings potential, with some graduates earning over $90,000 annually. Business administration and engineering technology also show stronger returns, while many other programs result in earnings below $45,000.
How much student debt do Southeast Missouri State University graduates typically have?
Southeast Missouri State University graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The relatively low net price helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Southeast Missouri State University have good job prospects after graduation?
Southeast Missouri State University's 55.7% graduation rate signals completion challenges, and median earnings of $44,030 lag behind many state universities. Job prospects vary significantly by program, with nursing and business showing the strongest outcomes.