At $15,336/yr net price, University of Central Missouri graduates earn $49,560/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,560/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,336 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,344 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,560/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,560/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.4% |
| 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 | $11,862/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,458/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,997/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,915/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,752/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 | $98,137 | $27,619 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $72,762 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $65,573 | $20,850 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $59,937 | $24,500 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $59,124 | |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,131 | $18,268 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,860 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $19,593 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,512 |
The Risk Factor
49.4% of students at University of Central Missouri 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
University of Central Missouri delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. With a net price of $15,336 and median debt of just $21,000, you get affordable access to higher education, but the 49% graduation rate creates significant financial risk if you don't finish your degree.
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at this school, with graduates earning $98,137 annually despite carrying slightly higher debt loads. Construction management and engineering technology also pay off well, both generating solid returns on the modest debt levels typical at UCM. These technical programs align with regional job markets in Missouri's construction and manufacturing sectors.
The weak graduation rate poses the biggest financial threat at UCM. Nearly half of students leave without degrees but often with debt, creating negative returns for a substantial portion of enrollees. The 70% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their first year, making your academic preparation and commitment level critical factors in whether this investment pays off.
UCM works best financially for students targeting specific career-focused programs like nursing, construction management, or engineering technology. Your low debt burden gives you flexibility to pursue graduate school or enter the workforce without crushing payments. However, students considering general studies or unclear career paths face higher financial risk given the graduation challenges.
With only 26% of students receiving financial aid, UCM appears to offer limited need-based support. The low sticker price compensates somewhat, but you should explore all merit scholarship opportunities and consider whether the regional job market aligns with your career goals before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Central Missouri worth the cost?
With graduates earning $49,560 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $21,000, University of Central Missouri offers a reasonable return on investment. However, the 49% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at University of Central Missouri?
Nursing programs at University of Central Missouri lead to the highest earnings at $98,137 annually. Quality Control and Safety Technologies ($72,762) and Construction Management ($65,573) also provide strong returns that justify the investment.
How much debt do University of Central Missouri graduates have?
University of Central Missouri graduates carry a median debt load of $21,000, which is manageable given the typical graduate earnings of $49,560. This debt-to-income ratio allows most graduates to pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe.
Does University of Central Missouri have good job placement after graduation?
University of Central Missouri's 49% graduation rate is below average, indicating completion challenges that could affect career outcomes. Students who do graduate and choose high-demand programs like nursing or construction management typically find good employment opportunities.