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
UMKC gives you a solid financial return for a public school. You pay $12,837 a year net, walk out with median debt under $19,000, and earn about $60,000 ten years later. That debt-to-earnings gap is healthy, and you can cover a year's loans with a couple months of a typical salary.
Engineering and computing pay off best here. Electrical engineering leads at $71,015, and even though it carries the school's highest debt at $25,000, the earnings more than justify it. Mechanical engineering, computer science, and general computer sciences all clear $63,000 while keeping debt near or below $23,000. Kansas City has a real engineering and tech job base, so those degrees convert locally. Dental support services sits lowest of the top group at $60,399, but it also carries the lowest debt of the five, so the math still works.
The main risk is finishing. Only 56 percent graduate and 77 percent come back after year one, so roughly one in four of you leaves. If you take on loans and drop out, you get the debt without the salary that makes it worth it. Pick a program you'll actually complete.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $9,200 to $9,600 a year. Above $75,000, price jumps to roughly $18,700, and over $110,000 you pay $20,762 , more than double the lowest tier. UMKC is a strong buy if you qualify for the lower brackets and aim at an engineering, computing, or dental program. If you're a full-pay family steering toward a lower-earning major not listed here, the value case is weaker and worth checking against cheaper in-state options.
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.