Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Missouri Western State University at a Glance
Missouri Western State University is a public university in St. Joseph, Missouri. As of 2023, it enrolled 3,815 students.
1915
111 years old
3,815
744 acres
Identity
Is Missouri Western State University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Missouri Western State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,647 — 21% below average — while paying $13,251/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Missouri Western State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Missouri Western State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #121 of 181 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 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #121 | Missouri Western State University | 31 | $13,251 | $42,647 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Missouri Western State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MO.
Best Programs at Missouri Western State University
The highest-earning program at Missouri Western State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $25,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Missouri Western State University earns $57,500, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $25,300. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $21,719 in median debt vs. $23,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,251/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,500 | $57,500 | $21,719 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $46,000 | $46,000 | $21,418 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $43,900 | $43,900 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $38,700 | $38,700 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,500 | $34,500 | $25,500 |
| Biology, General | $34,400 | $34,400 | $18,750 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $34,400 | $34,400 | $23,083 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,500 | $30,500 | $29,198 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,900 | $29,900 | $20,500 |
| Social Work | $28,400 | $28,400 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,500 | $27,500 | $18,526 |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $26,000 | $26,000 | $23,140 |
| Psychology, General | $25,300 | $25,300 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Saint Joseph, MO
- Student Body
- 2,219 students
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,251
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,647
- Median Student Debt
- $19,968