In the following ranking, we highlight the best affordable colleges in Missouri for bachelor’s degrees. A quick glance at the academic options in Missouri should convince prospective students that this Midwestern state is overflowing with high-quality, nationally recognized, and affordable institutions of higher learning. From top-tier private religious colleges to all-star state schools such as Missouri State University and the University of Missouri, students can feel confident that they will find a school that offers everything they are looking for in an academic program. Even if you are strapped for cash and concerned about tuition rates, fear not; abundant financial aid packages abound, and one school even offers nearly free tuition for eligible students.
Methodology
Although there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all college or university, there are certain features that nearly everyone looks for when trying to choose an institution of higher learning: student success and satisfaction, affordability, and the size of the school. To compile our list of schools, we conducted a search for the colleges in Missouri offering bachelor’s degrees using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We awarded points based on the data provided from NCES using these three metrics. If there was a tie in points, the school with the lowest tuition would be place on top.
Average Cost of Attendance
The first factor you might look at is how much a program is going to cost. After all, if it is unaffordable, why waste your time comparing other features such as academics and extracurriculars? By the same token, avoid choosing a school just because it is the cheapest, and instead look for a balance between cost and quality. For this article, we ranked tuition based on the in-state costs for students taking 15 hours of coursework per semester for one full year, as reported by NCES. We then awarded points based on the following ranges.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Student-to-faculty ratios tell a lot about the size of a school as well as the environment of its classrooms. While some students thrive in the hustle and bustle of large state universities, others prefer the more intimate environment of small private colleges. Although there are benefits and drawbacks to each, for the purpose of this ranking, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios from NCES, and, therefore, the smallest class sizes.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, in order to understand student success and, ultimately, student satisfaction, we looked at graduation rates. Whereas students who are satisfied with a school will most likely continue through the program and earn their degree, those who are unsatisfied are more likely to leave a school and finish their college experience elsewhere. In cases in which schools report low-graduation rates, students might feel that they are not getting the academic support they need to succeed, that faculty members are inexperienced or unhelpful, or that the school’s programs are unaffordable. Therefore, we awarded the most points to schools with the highest graduation rates as stated by NCES.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking 20 Best Affordable Colleges in Missouri
20. Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Points: 5
School Website
Lindenwood University, located in Saint Charles, is a private affordable university in Missouri that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Founded as the Lindenwood School for Girls in 1827, it is the second-oldest college west of the Mississippi River and the fastest-growing university in the Midwest since 1990. Lindenwood confers more than 100 low-cost undergraduate majors and minors as well as more than 75 graduate degrees, certificates, and emphases. Popular majors at this best-value university include business, criminal justice, psychology, communications, exercise science, and human resources. The school’s newest undergraduate degrees include inexpensive programs in game design, fashion business and entrepreneurship, and digital content strategy. Classes are taught by professors with cutting-edge expertise, and the school’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means small class sizes are offered at every level.
In-State Tuition: $17,600
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,600
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
19. Ozark Christian College
Joplin, Missouri
Points: 5
School Website
Ozark Christian College is a private evangelical Christian college located in Joplin, Missouri. This affordable Missouri college aims to train men and women for Christian service through low-cost undergraduate coursework focused almost exclusively on ministry training, the Bible, and related topics. Popular cheap majors include biblical studies, missionary studies, theology and ministerial studies, and religious vocations. Students of this inexpensive college may also choose to pursue a dual degree in Bible and interdisciplinary studies. OCC’s 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides students with the academic support they need to succeed as well as opportunities to develop close relationships with classmates and faculty. The school’s close-knit community provides campus activities, athletics, mentoring groups, and weekly chapel services that allow students to connect and get involved.
In-State Tuition: $12,620
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,620
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
18. Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Points: 5
School Website
Park University is a private inexpensive Missouri university that enrolls more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its main campus and 42 additional campus centers. Founded in 1875, the school is comprised of the College of Education and Health Professions, the College of Management, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The school confers eight associate degrees, 48 affordable bachelor’s programs, and eight master’s degrees as well as 27 various certificate programs. Popular majors at Park University include security services, business, social psychology, human resources, and criminal justice as well as management science and information systems, healthcare management, and logistics and supply chain management. Park University hosts a wide variety of leadership organizations, academic honor societies, social clubs, and student-run media outlets.
In-State Tuition: $11,572
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,572
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 23 percent
17. Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, Missouri
Points: 5
School Website
Northwest Missouri State University, one of the cheapest colleges in Missouri, was founded in 1905 as a college for educating teachers. Today, NMSU is a public university that enrolls more than 6,300 students. NMSU offers more than 160 low-cost majors and programs, and 96 percent of its graduates find a job or continue graduate studies after earning their degree. Unique affordable majors include reading and marine biology, while the most popular programs are those in the agriculture, geography, education, and business departments. In fact, the school is recognized as one of the top institutions of higher learning in the state for agriculture, and its university farm provides real-world, hands-on learning experience to students pursuing degrees in this in-demand, fast-growing field. Students can choose to participate in more than 200 student clubs and organizations or stay in shape at the school’s outdoor education recreation area or 19,000-square-foot fitness center.
In-State Tuition: $7,844
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,166
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 50 percent
16. University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Points: 5
School Website
Established in 1871, the University of Central Missouri enrolls more than 12,300 students from nearly every state and 50 countries. UCM offers more than 150 low-cost majors and 37 graduate programs that are relevant to today’s job market. Some of the most-pursued top-value majors at UCM include nursing, elementary education, criminal justice, the liberal arts and humanities, and biology. Accelerated degrees in which students earn both a bachelor’s and master’s together are available in occupational safety management, mathematics, criminal justice, and accountancy. This top-value school was one of the first universities in the nation to offer a degree in cybersecurity, and is the only one in the state to offer the Learning to a Greater Degree Contract, promising undergraduates that they will earn their degree within four years. Approximately 97 percent of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of earning their degree.
In-State Tuition: $7,673
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,442
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
15. Harris-Stowe State University
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 5
School Website
A member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Missouri, Harris-Stowe State University enrolls 1,700 students from more than 30 countries. This cheap college in Missouri is ranked as the top institution in the state for granting mathematics and statistics degrees to African-Americans. HSSU has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and offers 59 low-cost majors, minors, certificates, and other academic options, all of which emphasize ethical leadership and innovation. Popular areas of study include urban ecology and sustainability, secondary education, business administration, and healthcare management. The school also maintains high-value academic partnerships with other institutions with the goal of helping students earn credits at HSSU before advancing to specialized programs at associated schools. Outside of the classroom, students may join more than 60 clubs and organizations as well as volleyball, softball, soccer, baseball, track and field, and basketball teams.
In-State Tuition: $5,388
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,020
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 7 percent
14. Webster University
Webster Groves, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Webster University is a private accredited college in Missouri located in Webster Groves. Enrolling more than 14,000 students, the school also operates multiple branch locations across the country as well as more than 60 global campuses in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Ghana, and Thailand, to name a few. Webster is known for academic excellence in more than 100 inexpensive degrees, and the programs with the most graduates include business, computer science, communications, advertising, biology, psychology, education, and cinematography and video production. The school is known for its Global Student Leadership Summit, held at various campuses worldwide, in which 30 student leaders come together for excursions in the city, networking, and leadership development. Other on-campus events include more than 10 athletic teams, a film series, a student newspaper, a student-run radio station, and campus ministry.
In-State Tuition: $27,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent
13. Central Methodist University
Fayette, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Central Methodist University, located in Fayetteville, is an affordable university in Missouri. Established in 1854, the private school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Comprised of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Graduate and Extended Studies, CMU offers more than 40 low-cost programs of study taught by experienced faculty in highly personalized classes. Popular inexpensive majors include nursing, business, criminal just, psychology, and athletic training as well as biology, the liberal arts and humanities, and computer science. Students are involved in creative outlets such as the campus newspaper and radio station, student groups and organizations, intramurals like flag football and Frisbee, and volunteering in order to grow as individuals, discover new interests, and build relationships.
In-State Tuition: $24,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,420
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
12. Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hannibal, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a private accredited Christian university in Missouri. Although the school is affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, students of all religious backgrounds and denominations are invited to attend. HLGU offers 37 affordable majors to 1,000 students from more than 16 countries, including a strong education program designed to certify teachers as well as popular low-cost programs in nursing, organizational behavior studies, social work and youth services, business, and criminal justice. HLGU also confers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree-completion programs for working adults that are available one evening per week or entirely online. The school reports a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and the average class consists of 22 or fewer students. Outside of the classroom, students may participate in 35 clubs and organizations as well as 16 NAIA athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $22,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,750
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
11. College of the Ozarks
Point Lookout, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
College of the Ozarks is an inexpensive Christian college in Missouri located in Point Lookout. Established in 1906, the school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and enrolls 1,500 students in more than 30 academic majors. All programs at this best-value college are Christ-centered, and courses are taught from the perspective of a biblical worldview. Popular areas of study include business, public relations, agricultural business, nursing, elementary education, and animal sciences as well as social work, criminal science, and psychology. C of O is known for its unique Work Education Program that provides the entire cost of tuition to students who work 15 hours per week on-campus and allows them to graduate debt-free, hence the nickname “Hard Work U.” Possible places of employment or “stations” include the Child Development Center, a computer lab, the McDonald Clinic, or the Ralph Foster Museum, among 80 others.
In-State Tuition: $19,360
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,360
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent
10. Baptist Bible College
Springfield, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1950, Baptist Bible College is a low-cost Missouri college that specializes in ministry and professional studies programs designed to train Christian ministers and professionals. Students may choose from 11 inexpensive undergraduate degrees as well as three seminary programs in areas such as missions and intercultural studies, pastoral studies, biblical counseling, and church ministry with concentrations in worship and family ministry. Secular academic options include early childhood education, elementary education, and business management. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, BBC enrolls fewer than 600 students, meaning that class sizes are kept small, and students benefit from many opportunities for academic support and individualized learning.
In-State Tuition: $14,150
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,150
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 30 percent
9. Central Christian College of the Bible
Moberly, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Central Christian College of the Bible is a private low-cost college in Missouri located in Moberly. Founded in 1957, the school focuses on biblical training and practical instruction, offering Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees as well as certificates in ministry-related programs. Areas of study include youth and family ministry, worship arts, preaching ministry, and cross-cultural ministry as well as Christian ministries, education, counseling, and biblical research. Students are required to follow a strict code of conduct that deviates from what many consider to be the “traditional” college experience. While not only being one of the most affordable colleges in Missouri, CCC is also one of the most selective, colleges, accepting only 21 percent of applicants each year.
In-State Tuition: $13,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
8. St. Louis Christian College
Florissant, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Founded in 1956, St. Louis Christian College is a private Bible college located in Florissant, Missouri that prepares biblical servant leaders for global, rural, suburban, and urban ministry. This cheap Missouri college enrolls fewer than 300 undergraduates each year, offering bachelor’s degrees in behavioral ministry, Christian ministry, global missions, next generation ministry, preaching ministry, professional ministry, urban missions, and worship arts. Inexpensive secular programs are available in education, human development, criminal justice, and business administration. As one of the best-value Bible and Christian colleges in Missouri, SLCC offers a new NexGen+ Leadership Program that rewards students for their achievements, and qualified students may be eligible to receive two years of paid tuition.
In-State Tuition: $11,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 24 percent
7. University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1933, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is one of the cheapest colleges in Missouri. UMKC reports an annual enrollment of more than 16,000 students, making it the largest college in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Students can choose from more than 50 majors in more than 125 academic areas of study. Popular inexpensive bachelor’s programs by enrollment at UMKC include business, the liberal arts and humanities, nursing, psychology, biology, chemistry, health service preparatory studies, and communications. Many student clubs and organizations are available, including movie clubs, swim meets, and video game competitions. Students may also join fraternities or sororities, volunteer at the Kangaroo Pantry, or take advantage of student resources such as tutoring, a writing studio, and academic mentoring and support.
In-State Tuition: $8,178
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,207
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
6. Truman State University
Kirksville, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Truman State University, located in Kirksville, is a high-value university in Missouri. Established in 1867 as the North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College, it was the first public teaching college in the state. Today, TSU is ranked as the top public university in the Midwest for 22 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report as well as the top value in the country among all public universities and colleges by Consumers Digest. Students can choose from 49 low-cost undergraduate majors, 64 minors, and nine graduate programs. The most popular majors by the number of graduates include business, psychology, biology, exercise science, and accounting as well as unique programs in Celtic studies, data science, equine studies, Romance language, and Latin. Student life and activities include 18 varsity athletic teams and more than 250 student organizations.
In-State Tuition: $7,749
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,601
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 75 percent
5. Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Points: 6
School Website
Missouri Southern State University, located in Joplin, is one of the cheapest colleges in Missouri. Established as Joplin Junior College in 1937, MSSU confers more than 120 affordable programs through its School of Arts and Science, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Health Sciences. Online degrees are also offered through the Department of Distance Learning. Popular majors at MSSU by the number of graduates include business, police and criminal science, health professions, criminal justice and law enforcement administration, the liberal arts and humanities, and elementary education. Outside of the classroom, MSSU provides students with access to supportive interdisciplinary communities, traveling opportunities, study-abroad programs, and helpful internships. In terms of tuition rates, MSSU offers in-state tuition for not only Missouri but also Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and many counties in Illinois.
In-State Tuition: $6,503
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,005
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent
4. Cottey College
Nevada, Missouri
Points: 7
School Website
Established in 1884, Cottey College is a top-value college in Missouri that began as a finishing school. Today, Cottey is the only nonsectarian college in the country that is both owned and supported by women for women. Cottey confers economical Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science majors in areas such as secondary education, organizational leadership, international relations, health sciences, English, business administration, and women, gender, and sexuality studies. Each low-cost degree program emphasizes hands-on learning, and the college supports study-abroad, internship, and volunteer opportunities. Thanks to its enrollment of 350 students, Cottey reports an incredible 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio that paves the way for small class sizes, close relationships between students and professors, and comprehensive academic support.
In-State Tuition: $21,160
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 68 percent
3. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Points: 7
School Website
Located in Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is one of the most affordable colleges in Missouri. Established in 1873 as a normal school, SEMO provides experiential learning and student-centered education with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. SEMO confers more than 145 low-cost undergraduate majors, more than 100 undergraduate certificates and minors, and more than 75 graduate programs. The school’s most popular cheap majors include the liberal arts and humanities, biology, nursing, communications, business, criminal justice, physical education teaching and coaching, and manufacturing engineering. Unique inexpensive programs are offered in unmanned aircraft systems, agribusiness, and cybersecurity. The school embraces a tradition of commitment to student success, exceptional teaching, and access that contributes to the development of the community, region, and beyond. The campus itself stands out from other institutions of higher learning in Missouri for its recreational center, aquatic center, and Academic Hall, a 100-year old icon.
In-State Tuition: $7,418
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,155
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
2. Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
Points: 7
School Website
Founded as the Fourth District Normal School in 1905, MSU is a top-value public university in Missouri. Located in Springfield, it is the second-largest university in the state by enrollment, educating more than 24,300 students in low-cost undergraduate and graduate programs each year. Unique affordable majors include community and regional planning, audio studies, animal science, 3D studies, and acting, and popular areas of study include business, psychology, elementary education, accounting, marketing, and finance. Student life involves many opportunities for entertainment, including Broadway entertainers and plays who hold on-campus performances as well as speakers, concerts, and basketball games played at the school’s JQH Arena. Nature lovers enjoy the nearby Springfield Conservation Nature Center as well as the local Ozarks Greenways.
In-State Tuition: $7,376
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,326
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
1. Calvary University
Kansas City, Missouri
Points: 8
School Website
Calvary University is a Christian university in Kansas City that is ranked as the best affordable college in Missouri for a bachelor’s degree. Established in 1932 as Calvary Bible College, the school offers low-cost on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degrees to fewer than 400 students. Calvary is committed to preparing men and women to live and serve according to a biblical worldview. Every economical degree program aims to educate students in theology and the Bible, emphasizing biblical studies complemented by professional and general education as well as practical field experience. Inexpensive bachelor’s degrees are available in the Bible and theology, biblical counseling, children’s and youth ministry, pastoral ministry, worship arts, and contemporary Christian music, to name a few. Those looking for an inexpensive secular program may earn a degree in education, intercultural studies, or business administration with concentrations in management, marketing, organizational leadership, and sports management. Student engagement includes athletics, clubs and organizations, and on-campus ministry.
In-State Tuition: $11,164
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,164
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Missouri for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?
According to the current population survey (CPS) conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state of Missouri reported an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent in May 2019, slightly lower than the national average of 3.6 percent in the same month. The unemployment rate in Missouri hit its highest in January 2010 but has dropped 6.5 percent, indicating that the economy and jobs are not only stabilizing but growing.
Missouri is projected to have more than 3.6 million job openings between 2016 and 2026, including transfer openings, exit openings, and growth openings. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the following are the top 10 fastest-growing occupations in Missouri with the highest projected percentage of job growth between 2016 and 2026.
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- Personal Care Aides: 37.45 percent
- Home Health Aides: 34.54 percent
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters: 22.13 percent
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors: 21.90 percent
- Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: 21.04 percent
- Nonfarm Animal Caretakers: 20.60 percent
- Cargo and Freight Agents: 20.20 percent
- Material Moving Workers, All Other: 19.38 percent
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers: 17.29 percent
- Helpers — Production Workers: 17.11 percent
However, as we look at the short term from 2018 to 2020, we see that the top 10 fastest-growing occupations across the state that require short-term, on-the-job training and little to no experience include personal care aides and home health aides followed by four categories of “helper” occupations, including carpenters and production workers as well as masons, tile and marble setters, pipelayers, plumbers, and pipe-fitters. Construction trades and electricians will be needed over the next two years as well. Nonfarm animal caretakers also make the list, along with physical therapist aides, hoist and winch operators, and combined food preparation and serving workers.
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Missouri?
In order to determine the highest-paying jobs across the state, we turned to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There, we found occupational employment and wage estimates based on all jobs across every industry throughout nonmetropolitan and metropolitan areas in Missouri. According to the Bureau, the annual mean wage across all occupations in the state was $46,460 as of May 2018, the most recent data available. The top five highest-paying positions and their respective wages included:
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- Anesthesiologists: $250,180
- Surgeons: $248,250
- Psychiatrists: $240,300
- Internists, General: $230,620
- Pediatricians, General: $209,920
However, for the purpose of this section, we wanted to focus on occupations outside of the medical field. Although students must hold a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement to pursue graduate studies and obtain licensure, we looked at occupations that students could obtain with just an undergraduate degree. Although nearly all of the following jobs are managerial, graduates can pursue these occupations after completing a bachelor’s program and gaining additional training and experience.
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- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $138,520
- Financial Managers: $136,520
- Purchasing Managers: $133,990
- Sales Managers: $133,570
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $130,610
- Marketing Managers: $128,810
- Advertising and Promotions Managers: $128,040
- Compensation and Benefits Managers: $126,480
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $123,820
- Human Resources Managers: $116,470
What are the Best Schools in Missouri for Bachelor’s Recipients?
Students looking to attend one of the best affordable colleges in Missouri can expect to earn a terrific value on their education while reaping the benefits of living in close proximity to the musical allure of Branson, historically significant towns such as Hannibal, and bustling cities like St. Louis. Regardless of your reasons for pursuing a degree in this largely rural state, the following information can help you make the smartest financial investment in your education. We provided information for five of the schools listed above regarding early salaries and mid-career pay as well as 20-year net returns on investment, or the amount you can expect to make 20 years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from each school, according to PayScale. Figures are provided based on in-state tuition for students who earned an undergraduate degree with no financial aid and ranked in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI.
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- 1. Park University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $344,000
– Early Career Pay: $48,000
– Mid-Career Pay: $82,200
- 1. Park University
-
- 2. University of Missouri-Kansas City
– 20-Year Net ROI: $316,000
– Early Career Pay: $50,000
– Mid-Career Pay: $86,900
- 2. University of Missouri-Kansas City
-
- 3. Truman State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $261,000
– Early Career Pay: $46,500
– Mid-Career Pay: $85,400
- 3. Truman State University
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- 4. Missouri State University-Springfield
– 20-Year Net ROI: $204,000
– Early Career Pay: $44,400
– Mid-Career Pay: $86,600
- 4. Missouri State University-Springfield
-
- 5. University of Central Missouri
– 20-Year Net ROI: $202,000
– Early Career Pay: $46,300
– Mid-Career Pay: $80,100
- 5. University of Central Missouri
Missouri is home to a host of affordable colleges for bachelor’s degrees, including several nationally ranked schools such as the University of Missouri and Missouri State University. While UM-Kansas City offers the highest early and mid-career salaries on our list for in-state undergraduate students who earn a bachelor’s degree, it is Park University that is the best financial investment with a 20-year net ROI of $344,000. As you think about the cost of tuition as well as your salary expectations, we hope that our list of the 20 best affordable colleges in Missouri for bachelor’s degrees helps you narrow down your options and choose the school that best meets your academic needs and professional goals.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 20 best affordable colleges in Missouri for bachelor’s degrees.
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