Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, Missouri · Public · 86.1% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 43/100 · Poor Value
Northwest Missouri State University scores 43 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale, a score driven by a 54.2% completion rate, $34,000 median 6-year earnings, and a 15.9-year payback period. The in-state tuition of $10,611 is low, but net price averages $16,244 per year -- meaning most students receive limited additional grant aid. Median debt of $21,500 against $34,000 earnings produces a 0.632 debt-to-earnings ratio that creates a multi-year repayment burden. The best-performing programs are Computer and Information Sciences (23 graduates, $65,444 year-one, B+ ROI grade) and Accounting (29 graduates, $72,893 year-four, B+ grade). Teacher Education is the largest program at 137 graduates and earns a D ROI grade ($37,066 year-one, debt-to-earnings 0.701), which reflects Missouri's teacher pay structure more than a school-specific failing. Agricultural programs and Business perform in the B-grade range. The 54.2% completion rate is the primary structural weakness and creates a cohort of borrowers without credentials.
The data raises concerns about Northwest Missouri State University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score43/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period15.9 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Northwest Missouri State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,611/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $17,324/yr |
| Average net price | $16,244/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $64,976 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,885 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $34,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 15.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 54.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,378 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Northwest Missouri State University is $10,611/year ($17,324/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $16,244/year, or roughly $64,976 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,176/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,796/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $47,885 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.63 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,176 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,447 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,959 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,423 |
| $110,001+ | $20,796 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $13,176 per year -- a net price that is accessible for a public school but still challenging against $34,000 median 6-year earnings and a 15.9-year payback. Low-income students who do not complete face debt without credentials; given the 54.2% completion rate, this is a real and frequent outcome. Students in this bracket should target CS, accounting, or agricultural programs where earnings are materially higher.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $13,959 -- nearly the same as the lowest income bracket, suggesting the aid formula offers limited incremental help at moderate incomes. The 75001-110000 bracket jumps to $17,423. For middle-income families, the cost is modest but the earnings data does not make the case for majors outside of the school's strongest programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000 or more pay $20,796 per year -- roughly $83,000 over four years. Even at the highest net price, the absolute cost is low by private school standards. The risk is not the cost but the combination of modest earnings and a 54.2% completion rate that suggests a substantial share of students pay this cost without finishing.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Northwest Missouri State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $42,508 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $57,907 | B |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $46,501 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $50,012 | D |
| Psychology | $42,827 | D |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $49,872 | D |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $52,179 | C |
| Marketing | $57,705 | B |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $58,035 | B |
| Accounting | $72,893 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (23 graduates) earns $65,444 at year one and $80,690 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.348 (ROI grade B+). At a $16,244 average net price, CS graduates build solid near-term return. The four-year trajectory to $81k is strong for a rural Missouri public university and reflects strong labor demand for tech talent across the Midwest.
Agricultural Business and Management
Agricultural Business and Management (46 graduates) earns $48,302 year-one and $58,035 year-four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.399 (ROI grade B). Northwest's agricultural emphasis aligns with Missouri's economic base, and ag business graduates access commodity trading, farm management, and agri-finance roles in the region. The moderate debt load and B-grade return make this one of the better ROI cases for the school's rural-oriented student population.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education is Northwest's largest program at 137 graduates and earns a D ROI grade: $37,066 year-one, $42,508 year-four, debt-to-earnings of 0.701. Missouri teacher pay is structurally low, and the near-flat four-year earnings trajectory reflects that reality. Students choosing this program for vocation should understand that the 15.9-year institutional payback period extends even further for this specific track.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (101 graduates) earns $43,672 year-one and $57,907 year-four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.435 (ROI grade B). The B grade at a public school price point makes this program reasonable for students targeting regional business careers. Median debt of $19,000 is below the school average, suggesting the business program draws students with slightly more financial aid or lower borrowing needs.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 71.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 76.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 66.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 72.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 86.1% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 498-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 478-593 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-24 |
| Enrollment | 4,378 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 27.3% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,101 |
At 86.1% admission rate, Northwest Missouri State is broadly accessible. SAT Math 498-600 and Reading 478-593, with ACT 19-24, describe the middle of the admitted range. Admission is not the barrier here; completion is. Students in the bottom half of the test-score range should specifically ask about completion rates and what academic support resources exist.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include University of Central Missouri and Nicholls State University, both regional public institutions with similar enrollment profiles. Northwest Missouri's 43 ROI score is at the lower end for public universities in this cost range, driven primarily by the 54.2% completion rate. University of Central Missouri has a comparable cost structure and earnings profile. Among Missouri public institutions, the sub-$17k net price is competitive, but the outcomes data suggests completion and earnings challenges that are not unique to this school in this market.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Missouri State University (this school) | 43 | $16,244 | $47,885 |
| University of Central Missouri | 48 | $14,462 | $49,560 |
| Nicholls State University | 44 | $12,947 | $45,454 |
| Dalton State College | 41 | $5,012 | $40,251 |
| Indiana University-South Bend | 40 | $8,653 | $44,947 |
| Harris-Stowe State University | 5 | $9,922 | $31,088 |
Who Thrives Here
Northwest Missouri State admits 86.1% of applicants, with SAT mid-ranges of 498-600 Math and 478-593 Reading, and ACT 19-24 composite. The 4,378-student public university is in rural Maryville, Missouri. Pell grant rate of 27.3% indicates a significant lower-income student population. Students with career goals in agriculture, business, or education who want a low-cost public option in the region are the primary fit. The 54.2% completion rate means students should have a strong academic plan and support system before enrolling.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Northwest Missouri State University. With a net cost of $16,244 per year and median graduate earnings of only $47,885 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 15.9 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn and a long payback period.
Median debt of $21,500 against $47,885 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.