Joplin, MO · Private University
Is Missouri Southern State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,620
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,400
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,800
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$67,200
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.54x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
38.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,174
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$11,653
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Missouri Southern State University graduates earn $2,380 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Missouri Southern State University ranked by graduate earnings
70 graduates
104 graduates
215 graduates
58 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Missouri Southern State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $57,652 | 3.4x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $53,183 | 3.2x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $50,006 | 3.0x |
| Biology, General | $46,954 | 2.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $46,888 | 2.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $42,716 | 2.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,747 | 2.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,817 | 2.2x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,370 | 2.2x |
| Psychology, General | $34,605 | 2.1x |
| Education, General(1yr data) | $34,166 | 2.0x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $31,724 | 1.9x |
| Social WorkLowest(1yr data) | $27,936 | 1.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Missouri Southern State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,620 10 years after starting, $2,380 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8.8 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.