At $12,030/yr net price, Truman State University graduates earn $56,280/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,280/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,030 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,280/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,280/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,322/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,585/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,125/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,616/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,816/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $73,530 | $26,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,505 | $14,185 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,028 | $25,094 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $47,260 | $39,851 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,478 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,235 | $22,813 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
68.4% of students at Truman State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Truman State University delivers solid financial returns for a regional public school, with graduates earning a median $56,280 ten years out while carrying manageable debt of $21,000. Your investment pays off best in computer science, where graduates average $73,530 annually with reasonable debt loads of $26,000.
Accounting offers the cleanest financial path at Truman, combining strong earnings of $56,505 with the lowest debt burden at just $14,185. Nursing graduates earn well at $56,028 but carry heavier debt at $25,094. Communication disorders presents a concerning picture with graduates earning only $47,260 while shouldering nearly $40,000 in debt.
The biggest financial risk at Truman is the 68% graduation rate, meaning one in three students leaves without a degree while still carrying debt. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, giving you time to course-correct if needed.
Truman makes financial sense if you can get into high-return programs like computer science or accounting, especially given the low net price of $12,030 annually. However, only 15% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families may face the full cost burden.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering lower-return majors like communication disorders or if you're uncertain about completing your degree. The rural Missouri location limits internship and job opportunities compared to urban schools, making program choice more critical for your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Truman State University worth the cost?
Truman State offers decent value with a low net price of $12,030 and manageable debt of $21,000. However, the 68% graduation rate and $56,280 median earnings show mixed results that depend heavily on your chosen program.
What are the highest paying majors at Truman State University?
Computer science graduates earn $73,530 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Accounting ($56,505) and nursing ($56,028) also provide solid returns, while other programs like communication disorders lag significantly behind.
How much debt do Truman State University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,000, which is reasonable compared to national averages. With the school's low net price, most students can graduate without crushing debt loads.
Does Truman State University have good job placement after graduation?
The 68% graduation rate suggests about one-third of students don't finish, which raises concerns about academic support. Those who do graduate earn decent salaries, but success varies widely by major.