Maryville, MO · Private University
Is Northwest Missouri State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$47,885
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,181
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,623
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$66,492
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.88x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
57.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,824
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Northwest Missouri State University graduates earn $2,885 more 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 Northwest Missouri State University ranked by graduate earnings
40 graduates
17 graduates
25 graduates
38 graduates
89 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Northwest Missouri 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 Northwest Missouri State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $77,340) and the lowest (Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General: $32,268) is $45,072/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $77,340 | 4.7x |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $76,903 | 4.6x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $60,503 | 3.6x |
| Plant Sciences | $58,493 | 3.5x |
| Agriculture, General | $56,471 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,979 | 3.3x |
| Marketing | $54,067 | 3.3x |
| Homeland Security | $53,435 | 3.2x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $53,374 | 3.2x |
| Biology, General | $47,845 | 2.9x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $47,672 | 2.9x |
| Animal Sciences | $46,665 | 2.8x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $46,406 | 2.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $43,574 | 2.6x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies(1yr data) | $42,389 | 2.5x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $39,625 | 2.4x |
| Chemistry(1yr data) | $39,478 | 2.4x |
| Psychology, General | $39,143 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,306 | 2.2x |
| Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management | $37,207 | 2.2x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $36,587 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,401 | 2.2x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $32,268 | 1.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Northwest Missouri State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $47,885 10 years after starting, $2,885 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.2 years, faster than most colleges.
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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.