At $12,323/yr net price, University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earn $53,037/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,037/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,323 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,292 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,037/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,037/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,019/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,080/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,980/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,284/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,260/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $95,376 | $167,750 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $80,718 | $28,405 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $79,389 | |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $78,343 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,714 | $18,698 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $67,995 | $46,923 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $63,005 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,814 | $21,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,523 | $27,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,523 | $18,945 |
The Risk Factor
56.9% of students at University of Missouri-St Louis 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-St Louis delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with graduates earning above the Missouri average despite modest costs. The school's strength lies in professional programs that tap into St. Louis's healthcare and business sectors.
Optometry stands out as the financial winner, though the $167,750 debt load requires careful consideration of your tolerance for extended loan payments. Business and nursing programs offer strong earning potential with manageable debt levels, making them smart choices for most students. Psychology graduates earn surprisingly well here compared to national averages, likely benefiting from the region's healthcare demand.
The bigger concern is the 56% graduation rate and 68% retention rate, which means financial risk if you don't finish your degree. You face higher odds of leaving with debt but no credential compared to more selective schools.
This school works best if you're Missouri residents seeking professional training without elite university costs, particularly for healthcare, business, or engineering careers in the St. Louis region. The low net price makes it accessible even if you receive limited financial aid.
Avoid UMSL if you need extensive academic support to succeed, given the retention challenges, or if you're pursuing liberal arts fields where the regional job market may limit opportunities. Out-of-state students should compare costs carefully since you'll lose the in-state tuition advantage that makes this school financially attractive.
Your best strategy involves choosing career-focused programs with clear local job pipelines and taking advantage of the relatively low cost to minimize debt while maximizing your chances of degree completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Missouri-St Louis worth the cost?
UMSL offers solid value with a low net price of $12,323 and modest debt loads around $20,000. However, the 57% graduation rate is concerning, and general program earnings of $53,037 after 10 years are below national averages.
What are the best paying programs at University of Missouri-St Louis?
Optometry leads with $95,376 in 10-year earnings, followed by business at $80,718 and nursing at $79,389. Psychology and engineering also perform well above the school average.
How much debt do University of Missouri-St Louis graduates have?
The median debt is $20,000, which is reasonable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $12,323 helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
Does University of Missouri-St Louis have a good graduation rate?
The 57% graduation rate is below average for four-year universities. This means nearly half of students don't finish their degree, which significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.