University of Missouri-Columbia vs Harris-Stowe State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Missouri-Columbia comes out ahead: 77/100 to 5/100, a 72-point edge over Harris-Stowe State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Harris-Stowe State University runs $9,922 a year against $20,268 at University of Missouri-Columbia - $10,346 more a year, or about $41,384 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn a median $63,403 against $31,088 at Harris-Stowe State University. The cost earns itself back in 7.8 years at University of Missouri-Columbia and 999 years at Harris-Stowe State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Missouri-Columbia owing a median $20,500 versus $25,930 at Harris-Stowe State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 1.09 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Missouri-Co... | Harris-Stowe State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,837 | $7,008 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $36,056 | $11,640 |
| Net Price (avg) | $20,268 | $9,922 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $81,072 | $39,688 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,700 | $23,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,403 | $31,088 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.9% | 27.6% |
| Payback Period | 7.8 yr | 999 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $25,930 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $275 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 1.09 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 50.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.1% | 25.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.5% | N/A |
| Enrollment | 23,929 | 960 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Missou... | Harris-Stowe State U... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,841 | $9,827 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,378 | $10,963 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,722 | $9,814 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,762 | $8,563 |
| $110,001+ | $26,304 | $6,238 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Missou... | Harris-Stowe State U... |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $95,415 | $50,792 |
| Biology | $60,424 | $48,694 |
| Sociology | $55,098 | $28,268 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Missou... | Harris-Stowe State U... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 76 | 3 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 77 | 7 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 77 | 3 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 8 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 9 |
| Overall ROI Score | 77 | 5 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Missouri-Columbia clearly outperforms Harris-Stowe State University (77 vs 5), a 72-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Harris-Stowe State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Missouri-Columbia.
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University of Missouri-Columbia
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Harris-Stowe State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.