At $19,889/yr net price, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn $63,403/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,403/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,889 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,403/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,403/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,599/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,676/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,707/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,455/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,637/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. | Doctoral | $100,008 | $28,485 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $89,564 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $81,210 | $31,045 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $80,628 | $35,202 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $78,768 | $160,825 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $74,953 | $33,421 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,897 | $19,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $26,512 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $22,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,004 | $21,843 |
The Risk Factor
76.2% of students at University of Missouri-Columbia graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Mizzou gives you a solid financial return with low risk. You borrow a median $20,500 to graduate, and ten years out you earn enough to clear that debt comfortably. The 76% graduation rate and 91% retention rate mean you're likely to actually finish, which is where most college debt disasters start.
Engineering is where the money is. Computer engineering, industrial engineering, and electrical engineering all clear $67,000, and computer engineering does it while carrying below-median debt. Industrial engineering pays nearly as well but you graduate owing about $6,000 more, so watch that gap. Computer and information sciences lands right at the school median, which is respectable but not the payoff the engineering tracks deliver.
The risk here isn't the engineering programs, it's everything not listed. No liberal arts, business, or education earnings appear in this data, so if you're heading into one of those fields you can't assume the $63,403 median applies to you. Borrow against your own program's likely pay, not the school average.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay under $14,000 a year, and the jump to the $48-75k bracket adds only about $2,000. Above $75,000 the price climbs sharply to over $21,000, and families over $110,000 pay $24,637. That top-tier price still lands well below private-school levels, so the math holds if you pick a program that pays.
This is a good fit for you if you're targeting engineering or computing and want an in-state price with strong completion odds. If you're paying the $24,637 top rate for a major with no earnings data here, look harder at what that specific degree pays before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Missouri-Columbia worth the cost?
With a net price of $19,889 and median earnings of $63,403 after 10 years, Mizzou offers reasonable value for a public university. The moderate debt load of $20,500 makes it manageable for most graduates, though outcomes vary significantly by major.
What are the best paying majors at University of Missouri-Columbia?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $90,000-$100,000 annually, followed by educational administration at $81,210. Business majors earn about $80,628, while veterinary medicine graduates make $78,768 despite the high cost of the program.
How much student debt do University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have?
The median debt for Mizzou graduates is $20,500, which is below the national average. This manageable debt load, combined with the school's relatively low net price, reduces financial risk for most students.
Does University of Missouri-Columbia have good job prospects after graduation?
With a 76% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $63,403, Mizzou produces solid employment outcomes. The high acceptance rate of 79% means it's accessible, but students should choose their major carefully since earnings vary widely by program.