Suggested Focus: For this type of institution, we recommend prioritizing the Outcomes Score (C+) which measures graduation and job placement rates — the most relevant metrics for career programs.
Graduation Rate: 38%
Two ratings: the overall grade compares colleges the conventional way (outcomes, cost, resources, experience, reputation). The Outcome Rating asks what students earn: 60% wage-adjusted earnings 10 years after enrolling, 25% graduation, 15% retention. Methodology
Quick Stats
Earnings, Debt & Completion
What happens to students who enroll at Missouri Southern State University, from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Typical debt at graduation equals about 45% of one year’s median earnings ten years after entry.
Earnings rank: 16th percentile among bachelor’s-degree-focused colleges after a partial adjustment for local wage levels (MO wage index 0.87). This drives the Outcome Rating.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved Oct 2026. Earnings are for federally aided students who enrolled, whether or not they graduated.
Earnings by Major at Missouri Southern State University
Median pay of bachelor's degree graduates by field of study, and how each program ranks against every college reporting that major — by raw pay and adjusted for state wage levels. Same school, very different paychecks.
| Major | 1 yr after | 4 yrs after | vs. national | Rank (pay) | Rank (wage-adj.) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,273 | $75,985 | -15% | #863 of 966 | #788 | $22,750 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | — | $75,295 | -18% | #349 of 459 | #304 | — |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences | $52,539 | $64,765 | -5% | #30 of 61 | #24 | $17,963 |
| Public Health | — | $63,965 | +9% | #52 of 215 | #34 | — |
| Political Science and Government | — | $62,576 | -1% | #268 of 565 | #154 | — |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | $34,465 | $58,701 | +8% | #144 of 610 | #106 | $23,250 |
| Business/Commerce | $44,262 | $55,286 | -19% | #235 of 271 | #213 | $18,116 |
| Social Work | $27,936 | $49,855 | -4% | #274 of 420 | #203 | $21,234 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,167 | $49,114 | -11% | #514 of 660 | #441 | $21,616 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $36,783 | $46,892 | -12% | #355 of 476 | #315 | $21,604 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,201 | $41,771 | -26% | #614 of 660 | #585 | $18,686 |
| Psychology | $34,647 | $41,008 | -19% | #945 of 1027 | #910 | $20,249 |
| Sociology | — | $40,957 | -22% | #436 of 462 | #416 | — |
| Biology | $31,149 | $40,412 | -29% | #821 of 841 | #812 | $15,426 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $29,309 | $40,402 | -2% | #242 of 423 | #166 | — |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,345 | $39,419 | -17% | #647 of 680 | #633 | $19,504 |
| Education | $34,166 | $39,273 | -21% | #68 of 71 | #63 | $18,500 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study data. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working; small programs are not reported.
The Missouri Southern State University Town Property Report
- Avg home value near campus: $194,471
- Avg rent near campus: $997/mo — vs ~$489/mo campus room rate
- Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 64804 (4.9% cap, Joplin)
Get the free 1-page report: rent-vs-dorm math, the 3 best nearby ZIPs by yield, and the “kiddie condo” strategy parents use.
Free — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,400 | $16,800 |
| Room | $4,400 | |
| Board | $2,772 | |
| Total Cost (On-Campus) | $20,051 | $28,451 |
Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,021 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,467 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,646 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,035 |
| $110,001+ | $15,196 |
Programs & Career Paths
Top Degree Programs
Programs ranked by number of degrees awarded annually.
Related Career Paths
Careers that graduates from Missouri Southern State University's top programs commonly pursue.
Student Demographics
👥 Race & Ethnicity
🏠 Living Arrangements
💻 Learning Mode
📊 Age Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Missouri Southern State University?
How much does it cost to attend Missouri Southern State University?
What is the graduation rate at Missouri Southern State University?
Is Missouri Southern State University a good school?
- Outcomes (C+): Graduation and retention rates
- Affordability (B): Net cost and financial aid access
- Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
- Experience (B): Campus life and learning format
- Prestige (F): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Missouri Southern State University?
Is there rental demand near Missouri Southern State University?
Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Missouri Southern State University — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →
🎓 Similar Colleges to Missouri Southern State University
Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.
Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: October 2026 | Methodology