Harris-Stowe State University
Harris-Stowe State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Harris-Stowe State University Worth It?
At a value score of 22/100, Harris-Stowe State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $31,088 — 42% below average — while paying $9,922/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 28% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,930 representing 83% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Harris-Stowe State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Harris-Stowe State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 33 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | Northern Marianas College | 100 | $2,789 | $27,836 |
| #5 | Haskell Indian Nations University | 90 | $3,134 | $37,043 |
| #6 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #25 | Harris-Stowe State University | 22 | $9,922 | $31,088 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Harris-Stowe State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Harris-Stowe State University
The highest-earning program at Harris-Stowe State University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $29,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $24,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Harris-Stowe State University earns $29,600, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $24,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $32,456 in median debt vs. $32,095 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,922/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,600 | $29,600 | $32,456 |
| Education, General | $27,700 | $27,700 | $38,011 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $24,000 | $24,000 | $32,095 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Saint Louis, MO
- Student Body
- 960 students
- Graduation Rate
- 28%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,922
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $31,088
- Median Student Debt
- $25,930