University of Missouri-Columbia vs University of Central Missouri
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 48/100, a 29-point edge over University of Central Missouri. 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, University of Central Missouri runs $14,462 a year against $20,268 at University of Missouri-Columbia - $5,806 more a year, or about $23,224 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn a median $63,403 against $49,560 at University of Central Missouri. The cost earns itself back in 7.8 years at University of Missouri-Columbia and 13.6 years at University of Central Missouri.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Missouri-Columbia owing a median $20,500 versus $21,000 at University of Central Missouri. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.60 - 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... | University of Central Mis... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,837 | $10,050 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $36,056 | $18,600 |
| Net Price (avg) | $20,268 | $14,462 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $81,072 | $57,848 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,700 | $35,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $63,403 | $49,560 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.9% | 54.1% |
| Payback Period | 7.8 yr | 13.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $21,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.60 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 80.0% | 66.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.1% | 62.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 78.5% | 63.8% |
| Enrollment | 23,929 | 5,648 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Missou... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $13,841 | $10,965 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $13,378 | $12,254 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,722 | $13,408 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,762 | $16,931 |
| $110,001+ | $26,304 | $18,485 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Missou... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,234 | $81,657 |
| Accounting | $95,415 | $76,930 |
| Registered Nursing | $83,231 | $80,542 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $82,831 | $47,248 |
| Economics | $74,661 | $69,359 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment | $73,861 | $60,063 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $69,333 | $53,677 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $65,029 | $51,897 |
| International Relations | $64,747 | $63,965 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $61,713 | $55,753 |
| Hospitality Administration | $61,441 | $48,931 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,007 | $52,463 |
| Biology | $60,424 | $48,112 |
| Social Work | $56,157 | $51,349 |
| Sociology | $55,098 | $45,862 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Missou... | University of Centra... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 76 | 55 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 77 | 42 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 77 | 51 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 48 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 71 | 31 |
| Overall ROI Score | 77 | 48 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Missouri-Columbia clearly outperforms University of Central Missouri (77 vs 48), a 29-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Central Missouri 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
University of Central Missouri
Below Average 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.