Saint Joseph, MO · Private University
Is Missouri Western State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,647
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,800
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,500
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$70,000
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.44x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
39.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,968
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,638
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Missouri Western State University graduates earn $2,353 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 Western State University ranked by graduate earnings
147 graduates
27 graduates
26 graduates
21 graduates
22 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Missouri Western State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Missouri Western State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $65,515) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $26,929) is $38,586/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $65,515 | 3.7x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $58,522 | 3.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $50,828 | 2.9x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services(1yr data) | $47,265 | 2.7x |
| Construction Engineering Technologies(1yr data) | $47,141 | 2.7x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $46,350 | 2.6x |
| Biology, General | $44,841 | 2.6x |
| Marketing(1yr data) | $43,070 | 2.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $42,651 | 2.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,356 | 2.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $37,566 | 2.1x |
| Design and Applied Arts(1yr data) | $37,200 | 2.1x |
| Social Work | $36,414 | 2.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,238 | 2.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas(1yr data) | $33,183 | 1.9x |
| Psychology, General | $33,034 | 1.9x |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management(1yr data) | $32,199 | 1.8x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $26,929 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Missouri Western State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,647 10 years after starting, $2,353 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.2 years, a reasonable timeline.
Ready to apply to Missouri Western State University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
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.