University of Central Missouri
University of Central Missouri — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Central Missouri at a Glance
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) is a public university in Warrensburg, Missouri, United States.
1871
155 years old
$43M
$42.89 million (2017)
13,734
8,019 undergrad · 5,715 grad
424
1,561 acres
Identity
Is University of Central Missouri Worth It?
University of Central Missouri offers moderate value at $14,462/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,560, which is 8% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of Central Missouri compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #46 of 126 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 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #6 | Gulf Coast State College | 90 | $4,709 | $38,359 |
| #46 | University of Central Missouri | 44 | $14,462 | $49,560 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Central Missouri's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Central Missouri
The highest-earning program at University of Central Missouri is Engineering Technology, General at $58,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $17,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Engineering Technology, General graduate from University of Central Missouri earns $58,400, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $17,400. 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: Engineering Technology, General graduates carry $23,976 in median debt vs. $24,894 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,462/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technology, General | $58,400 | $58,400 | $23,976 |
| Construction Management | $57,400 | $57,400 | $18,719 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,800 | $55,800 | $15,000 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians | $54,700 | $54,700 | $25,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $53,500 | $53,500 | $24,400 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $52,600 | $52,600 | $22,000 |
| Computer Science | $51,400 | $51,400 | $21,750 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $49,000 | $49,000 | N/A |
| Homeland Security | $45,300 | $45,300 | $20,076 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $43,300 | $43,300 | $23,397 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $42,000 | $42,000 | $21,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,200 | $40,200 | $21,625 |
| Marketing | $40,000 | $40,000 | $27,000 |
| Economics | $39,400 | $39,400 | $22,392 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $34,900 | $34,900 | N/A |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $34,300 | $34,300 | $22,610 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,800 | $33,800 | $19,625 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,500 | $32,500 | $21,465 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,400 | $32,400 | $21,720 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $32,100 | $32,100 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $31,800 | $31,800 | $26,802 |
| Social Work | $31,500 | $31,500 | $23,839 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $30,900 | $30,900 | $25,099 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $30,100 | $30,100 | $21,879 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,600 | $29,600 | $24,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,900 | $28,900 | $24,950 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,800 | $27,800 | $23,137 |
| Biology, General | $27,800 | $27,800 | $20,732 |
| Psychology, General | $27,300 | $27,300 | $22,875 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $24,800 | $24,800 | $28,157 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $22,300 | $22,300 | $24,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $17,400 | $17,400 | $24,894 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Warrensburg, MO
- Student Body
- 5,648 students
- Admission Rate
- 64%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,462
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,560
- Median Student Debt
- $21,000