University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri · Public · 78.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 77/100 · Strong Value
University of Missouri-Columbia
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,837/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $36,056/yr |
| Average net price | $20,268/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $81,072 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,403 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 74.9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,929 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $13,841 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,378 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,722 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,762 |
| $110,001+ | $26,304 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Missouri-Columbia with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $84,534 | B |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $69,333 | C |
| Journalism | $69,016 | C+ |
| Psychology | $55,839 | C |
| Biology | $60,424 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $83,231 | B+ |
| Teacher Education | $44,681 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,234 | B+ |
| Accounting | $95,415 | B+ |
| International Relations | $64,747 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Missouri-Columbia is $14,837/year ($36,056/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 $20,268/year, or roughly $81,072 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,841/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,304/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $63,403 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.48 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 76.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 74.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 570-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 580-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 23-30 |
| Enrollment | 23,929 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 20.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,563 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia (this school) | 77 | $20,268 | $63,403 |
| University of Iowa | 76 | $22,531 | $64,762 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 76 | $13,951 | $63,199 |
| Oregon State University | 75 | $19,604 | $64,010 |
| University of Central Missouri | 48 | $14,462 | $49,560 |
| Harris-Stowe State University | 5 | $9,922 | $31,088 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Missouri-Columbia delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $20,268 per year ($81,072 over four years), graduates earn a median of $63,403 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.8 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 74.9% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $20,500 against $63,403 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.