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 gives you a moderate financial return that depends heavily on your major. The typical graduate earns around the low-$40,000s a decade out, and median debt sits at a manageable level that you can clear on most professional salaries. This is a middle-of-the-road bet: not a money pit, not a windfall.
Your major decides everything here. Engineering Technology, Nursing, and Computer and Information Sciences all clear $53,000 while carrying debt in the low-$20,000s, so any of those three pays back cleanly. Accounting is the safest ratio on the list, pairing near-$50,000 pay with the lowest debt of any top program. Industrial Production Technologies is the weak spot: it earns the least of the five yet saddles you with the highest debt, which is the worst trade the school offers.
The main risk is completion. Only about half of students finish, and roughly a quarter don't return after their first year. If you borrow and then leave without a degree, you carry the debt with none of the earning power, and that gap is where this school hurts people most.
This is a good fit if you're coming in for nursing, computing, engineering technology, or accounting and you plan to finish. The regional Missouri job market supports those healthcare and technical roles, and the debt load stays reasonable for those wages.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least and get the strongest deal here. The cost climbs sharply once household income passes $75,000, nearly reaching the sticker figure for the top tier. If your family sits in that upper band and your intended major isn't one of the high-earning four, look hard at cheaper in-state options before committing.
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.