Missouri University of Science and Technology
Missouri University of Science and Technology — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Missouri University of Science and Technology at a Glance
The Missouri University of Science and Technology is a public research university in Rolla, Missouri, United States. It is a member institution of the University of Missouri System. Most of its 6,456 students (2023) study engineering, business, sciences, and mathematics. Known primarily for its engineering school, Missouri S&T offers degree programs in business and management systems, information science and technology, sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts. It is classified as a "STEM…
1870
156 years old
$604M
$604,010,199 (2024)
6,456
5,324 undergrad · 1,132 grad
327
284 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Missouri University of Science and Technology
Official admissions pageTesting policy
Is Missouri University of Science and Technology Worth It?
Missouri University of Science and Technology is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $16,298/year net price and $82,957 median earnings, graduates earn 5.1× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: Missouri University of Science and Technology delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Missouri University of Science and Technology compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #2 of 6 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 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | 100 | $10,163 | $78,466 |
| #2 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | 81 | $16,298 | $82,957 |
| #3 | SUNY College at Geneseo | 66 | $18,211 | $67,316 |
| #4 | Rutgers University-Newark | 62 | $19,703 | $74,479 |
| #5 | University of Arkansas Grantham | 60 | $8,370 | $63,496 |
| #6 | University of Massachusetts Global | 22 | $32,654 | $65,703 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Missouri University of Science and Technology's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Missouri University of Science and Technology
The highest-earning program at Missouri University of Science and Technology is Metallurgical Engineering at $71,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $26,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Metallurgical Engineering graduate from Missouri University of Science and Technology earns $71,300, while a Biology, General graduate earns $26,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Metallurgical Engineering graduates carry $21,500 in median debt vs. $25,349 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,298/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical Engineering | $71,300 | $71,300 | $21,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $70,000 | $70,000 | $22,125 |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering | $69,800 | $69,800 | $25,500 |
| Computer Engineering | $69,300 | $69,300 | $23,513 |
| Chemical Engineering | $68,300 | $68,300 | $22,456 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $66,800 | $66,800 | $22,729 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $66,300 | $66,300 | $23,000 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $64,200 | $64,200 | $27,267 |
| Petroleum Engineering | $63,600 | $63,600 | $26,259 |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $63,400 | $63,400 | $28,250 |
| Architectural Engineering | $61,700 | $61,700 | $27,284 |
| Nuclear Engineering | $61,400 | $61,400 | $25,450 |
| Information Science/Studies | $60,600 | $60,600 | $21,500 |
| Civil Engineering | $58,800 | $58,800 | $25,000 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering | $51,400 | $51,400 | N/A |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $46,100 | $46,100 | $22,352 |
| Biology, General | $26,900 | $26,900 | $25,349 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Rolla, MO
- Student Body
- 5,521 students
- Admission Rate
- 73%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,298
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $82,957
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250