Truman State University
Truman State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Truman State University at a Glance
Truman State University is a public liberal arts university in Kirksville, Missouri, United States. It had 3,664 enrolled students in the fall of 2024 pursuing degrees in 55 undergraduate and twelve graduate programs.
1867
159 years old
$68M
$67.9 million (2021)
3,636
3,302 undergrad · 334 grad
269
210 acres
Identity
How to Apply to Truman State University
Official admissions pageTesting policy
Is Truman State University Worth It?
Truman State University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $12,780/year, it's priced 37% below average, while graduates go on to earn $56,280 — 5% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: Truman State University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Truman State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 71 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 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #2 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #3 | Bates Technical College | 86 | $6,292 | $50,051 |
| #4 | Renton Technical College | 76 | $8,296 | $49,782 |
| #5 | Truman State University | 75 | $12,780 | $56,280 |
| #6 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | 71 | $6,817 | $50,669 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Truman State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MO.
Best Programs at Truman State University
The highest-earning program at Truman State University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $66,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $21,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Truman State University earns $66,300, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $21,600. 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: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $18,637 in median debt vs. $21,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,780/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $66,300 | $66,300 | $18,637 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $53,200 | $53,200 | $24,095 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,800 | $38,800 | $24,625 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $32,800 | $32,800 | $21,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,600 | $32,600 | $25,908 |
| Agriculture, General | $31,700 | $31,700 | $21,089 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,300 | $28,300 | $22,000 |
| Biology, General | $26,500 | $26,500 | $19,564 |
| Education, General | $26,000 | $26,000 | $23,432 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $25,900 | $25,900 | $23,638 |
| History | $23,400 | $23,400 | $21,277 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $22,700 | $22,700 | $21,500 |
| Psychology, General | $21,600 | $21,600 | $21,000 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Kirksville, MO
- Student Body
- 2,513 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,780
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,280
- Median Student Debt
- $21,000