Cape Girardeau, MO · Private University
Is Southeast Missouri State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,030
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,496
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,496
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$37,984
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
4.64x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
55.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,532
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Southeast Missouri State University graduates earn $970 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 Southeast Missouri State University ranked by graduate earnings
24 graduates
132 graduates
26 graduates
42 graduates
35 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Southeast 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 Southeast Missouri State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $76,554) and the lowest (International/Global Studies: $25,984) is $50,570/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $76,554 | 8.1x |
| Engineering Technology, General | $74,358 | 7.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,451 | 6.7x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management(1yr data) | $62,891 | 6.6x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,357 | 6.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $61,848 | 6.5x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $59,502 | 6.3x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $57,265 | 6.0x |
| Plant Sciences | $56,370 | 5.9x |
| Marketing | $54,624 | 5.8x |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $54,326 | 5.7x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $51,191 | 5.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $44,498 | 4.7x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $41,674 | 4.4x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $41,252 | 4.3x |
| Psychology, General | $40,870 | 4.3x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $40,773 | 4.3x |
| Biology, General | $40,657 | 4.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $40,514 | 4.3x |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $39,641 | 4.2x |
| Social Work | $38,968 | 4.1x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services(1yr data) | $38,382 | 4.0x |
| Social Sciences, General(1yr data) | $37,193 | 3.9x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $35,277 | 3.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $34,781 | 3.7x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $32,225 | 3.4x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $32,018 | 3.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $31,412 | 3.3x |
| International/Global StudiesLowest(1yr data) | $25,984 | 2.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Southeast Missouri State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $44,030 10 years after starting, $970 below the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.2 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.