At $12,837/yr net price, University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn $59,637/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,637/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,837 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,637/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,637/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,214/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,567/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,602/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,659/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,762/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $176,087 | $129,960 |
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $144,240 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $131,319 | $220,937 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $124,023 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,345 | $43,050 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $97,959 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Doctoral | $82,440 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $77,213 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $75,330 | $20,250 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $71,575 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at University of Missouri-Kansas City 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 Missouri-Kansas City delivers strong returns for health sciences students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The school's median earnings of $59,637 rank below average for four-year colleges, reflecting limited earning power outside its specialized health programs.
Dentistry and allied health programs justify their costs despite heavy debt loads. Dental students face $220,937 in median debt but earn $131,319 annually, creating manageable debt-to-income ratios. Allied health graduates command $176,087 salaries even with $129,960 in debt. Nursing offers the best balance with $98,345 earnings against $43,050 debt. Pharmacy rounds out the strong health programs at $124,023 annually.
Students outside health sciences face poor financial prospects. The 55.9% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without degrees but often with debt. The low 77.45% retention rate signals academic or financial struggles that derail degree completion.
UMKC works financially if you gain admission to competitive health programs and can handle the debt load. Pre-health students should have backup plans since these programs accept few applicants. The school makes little sense for liberal arts, business, or education majors who can find better returns elsewhere at similar costs.
Missouri residents benefit from the $12,837 net price, but only 25% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but focus heavily on health science recruits. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless admitted to top-tier health programs.
The Kansas City job market supports health careers but offers limited opportunities in other fields, making UMKC a risky choice for most majors outside the medical center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Missouri-Kansas City worth the cost?
UMKC offers solid value with a low net price of $12,837 annually and moderate debt levels around $18,750. The strong health programs like dentistry and pharmacy provide excellent returns, though the 56% graduation rate indicates academic challenges for many students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Missouri-Kansas City?
UMKC's health programs dominate earnings, with allied health graduates earning $176,087 annually and dental graduates making $144,240. These professional programs justify the investment, while other majors may not provide the same financial returns.
How much debt do University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates have?
UMKC graduates carry a median debt of $18,750, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, this figure only reflects students who complete their degrees, not the 44% who drop out potentially with some debt and no credential.
Does University of Missouri-Kansas City have good financial aid?
UMKC keeps costs reasonable with a net price of $12,837 after aid, making it accessible for most Missouri families. The low sticker price means less reliance on loans compared to more expensive institutions.