University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri · Public · 72.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 75/100 · Strong Value
University of Missouri-Kansas City scores 75 (Strong Value) on the CampusROI scale -- a solid result for an urban public research university. The key strengths are a 46.3% earnings premium and low net price of $13,310, producing a 7.8-year payback against $44,400 median 6-year earnings. The 55.5% completion rate is a meaningful drag -- nearly half of students do not graduate within the standard window. In-state tuition of $12,587 is competitive for a university offering engineering, nursing, dental sciences, and business programs. Electrical Engineering ($76,086 year-one), Registered Nursing ($71,150 year-one), Mechanical Engineering ($71,072 year-one), and Computer Science ($69,239 year-one) are the top-performing programs, all earning B grades. The dental support and healthcare programs provide additional employment pipelines in the Kansas City metro. Lower in the distribution, History earns an F grade (debt-to-earnings 1.048) and Fine Arts earns an F (1.001). The institutional average is pulled upward by health sciences and engineering, and pulled down by arts and humanities. For in-state students targeting STEM or health careers, UMKC is a financially strong choice.
University of Missouri-Kansas City scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,587/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $30,227/yr |
| Average net price | $13,310/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $53,240 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,637 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $44,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,750 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $199 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 55.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,817 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Missouri-Kansas City is $12,587/year ($30,227/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 $13,310/year, or roughly $53,240 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,576/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $18,877/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,750 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $199 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $59,637 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.42 - well within manageable territory.
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 | $10,576 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,472 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,613 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,019 |
| $110,001+ | $18,877 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families in the $0-$30,000 bracket pay $10,576 per year at UMKC. The $30,001-$48,000 bracket pays $10,472 -- nearly identical, suggesting a flat aid structure across the two lowest bands. At these cost levels, even the institution's 55.5% completion rate produces a workable expected value for students who make it through. STEM and health sciences students particularly benefit.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-$75,000 bracket pays $12,613 per year. The $75,001-$110,000 bracket pays $16,019. Middle-income families are largely paying near in-state cost of attendance. Against $44,400 median earnings and a 7.8-year payback, UMKC's value case for middle-income students holds as long as the student completes the degree in a productive program.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $18,877 per year at UMKC. This is close to the full cost of attendance for an in-state student. At these prices, UMKC's value case depends entirely on program selection. Engineering, nursing, and dental sciences graduates easily justify the investment. Arts, humanities, and general studies graduates face a long payback at any income level.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Missouri-Kansas City with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $63,569 | C+ |
| Biology | $59,183 | C+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $52,117 | C |
| Psychology | $47,928 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $88,249 | B |
| Computer Science | $97,043 | B |
| Accounting | $73,096 | B |
| Chemistry | $60,950 | C |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $58,973 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,135 | C |
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 Science
Computer Science at UMKC earns 87 graduates, $69,239 year-one, $97,043 at year four, B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.381) with median debt of $26,375. Against in-state tuition of $12,587, the year-one earnings of $69k and four-year trajectory to $97k represent strong returns. Kansas City's growing tech sector provides hiring demand. The B grade reflects solid but not exceptional debt management relative to earnings -- the $26k debt figure is above what lower-cost public programs carry.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing earns 91 graduates, $71,150 year-one, $88,249 at year four, B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.436) with median debt of $31,000. The $31,000 debt figure is higher than peer nursing programs at other state universities. Kansas City metro healthcare employment is strong. Year-one earnings of $71k are consistent with regional nursing wages. The higher debt reflects either longer time-to-completion or more borrowing relative to living costs.
Dental Support Services
Dental Support Services posts 32 graduates, $60,307 year-one, $64,838 at year four, B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.448) with median debt of $27,000. The four-year plateau near $65k reflects typical dental hygienist career progression. Against UMKC's public tuition, dental hygiene is a reliable mid-wage pathway with strong regional demand. The limited career growth trajectory should be factored into long-run planning.
Accounting
Accounting at UMKC earns 77 graduates, $54,357 year-one, $73,096 at year four, B-grade ROI (debt-to-earnings 0.411) with median debt of $22,350. These are solid outcomes for a regional public university accounting program. Kansas City's accounting and financial services sector absorbs graduates into public accounting firms and corporate finance roles. The four-year figure of $73k is reasonable for the career trajectory in this market.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 66.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 73.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 61.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 66.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 72.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 650-790 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 640-760 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-28 |
| Enrollment | 6,817 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 26.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,063 |
UMKC admits 72.2% of applicants. The SAT ranges are surprisingly wide for a public research university, suggesting a diverse academic preparation range. Admission to health sciences programs (Nursing, Dental Support Services) likely requires separate competitive processes. Pre-professional students applying to the 6-year medical or dental programs should investigate those track-specific requirements carefully.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UMKC's Scorecard peers include University of Central Missouri, Rutgers-Newark, University of Alabama in Huntsville, and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Among these, Rutgers-Newark is in a stronger labor market (New York metro) and has comparable outcomes. UAH (Alabama) has a strong engineering profile and somewhat lower cost. UMKC's urban Kansas City location gives it better professional program access than most rural or suburban regional universities in this peer set. Among Missouri public universities, UMKC's urban research mission distinguishes it from Missouri State and Truman State.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Kansas City (this school) | 75 | $13,310 | $59,637 |
| Rutgers University-Newark | 82 | $19,703 | $74,479 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | 76 | $16,210 | $60,378 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | 69 | $18,796 | $61,767 |
| University of Central Missouri | 48 | $14,462 | $49,560 |
| Harris-Stowe State University | 5 | $9,922 | $31,088 |
Who Thrives Here
UMKC admits 72.2% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 650-790 Math and 640-760 Reading; ACT composite 20-28. The wide test ranges reflect a broad enrollment funnel. At 6,817 undergraduates, UMKC is a mid-sized urban university in the heart of Kansas City. Pell rate of 26.4% indicates moderate lower-income enrollment. The campus serves a mix of traditional students and urban commuters. Strong health sciences programs -- Nursing, Dental, and the pre-professional pipeline -- define the most financially productive enrollment paths.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Missouri-Kansas City delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $13,310 per year ($53,240 over four years), graduates earn a median of $59,637 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, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $18,750 against $59,637 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.