Truman State University
#2 Best Colleges in Missouri- Graduation Rate
- 68% B-
- Solid completion rate — most students graduate
- Earnings (10yr)
- $56,280 B+
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $12,780 B-
- 25% less than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 84% C-
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 30.4× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $30.4 over 20 years. Ranked #2 in Best Colleges in Missouri.
Every $1 spent returns $30.4 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,503,643.
What The Data Says
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A C+ overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Earnings 38% above the national college median.
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Every $1 invested returns $30.4 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 0.3%
- Top 70%
- Patents
- 12
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 0
- Downstream influence
Why Truman State University Matters
Truman State University is a public university in Kirksville, MO and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Carnegie Class
- Master's University
- Enrollment
- 2,513
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology
Why students choose Truman State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 84% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1170–1370. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $12,780 a year after grants and scholarships — 25% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $56,280 ten years after enrolling — 38% above the typical college, against $21,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 0.8% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 90% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.72 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, is a solid choice for students looking for a friendly, accessible environment. With an acceptance rate of 84%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here often delve into popular programs like Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, and Biology. This variety allows individuals to explore different fields while receiving a well-rounded education.
After graduation, students can expect a promising future. The 10-year earnings average stands at $56,280, which reflects a strong return on investment for many graduates. This figure indicates that, while the journey can be challenging, those who put in the effort can achieve financial stability. The relatively low net price of $12,780 after aid makes it an appealing option for students looking to minimize debt while maximizing opportunities.
Speaking of debt, the median debt at Truman State is $21,000, which is manageable compared to national averages. This affordability combined with the supportive community means that students focused on their studies and engaged in campus life tend to thrive. Whether you’re drawn to the sciences or the humanities, there’s a sense of belonging here that can make all the difference in your college experience.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Truman State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Truman State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 84%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,320. The graduation rate is roughly 68%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Retention Rate
- 85%
- SAT Average
- 1320
- ACT Midpoint
- 27
- SAT Range
- 1170–1370
- ACT Range
- 25–31
- Full-Time Faculty
- 86%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $7,584
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.39
- First-Gen Students
- 23%
- Applicants
- 4,912
- Admitted
- 2,213
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Truman State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Truman State University is $18,566, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $12,780. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $6,046 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $21,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $9,838
- Out-of-State
- $18,566
- Avg Net Price
- $12,780
- Median Debt
- $21,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 17%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 27%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $6,046
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $7,926
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $12,426
- Family Income $110K+
- $17,220
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Truman State University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Truman State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Truman State University earn a median of $56,280, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $43,966
- 8 Years
- $48,947
- 10 Years
- $56,280
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.37x
- Earning > $25K
- 70%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (800)
- 61%
- 100% (800)
- 61%
- 100% (800)
- 61%
- 100% (800)
- 61%
How Truman Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Truman State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Truman State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $12,780/year ($51,120 total). Graduates earn $56,280 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,554,763 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,503,643 (30.4× your investment). The median debt is $21,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 68% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $51,120
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,554,763
- Net Return
- $1,503,643
- ROI Multiple
- 30.4×
- Cost Per Year
- $12,780
- Median Debt
- $21,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Truman State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Truman State University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 0.75%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is narrower: only about 2.6% of students come from the bottom income quintile, typical of more selective, higher-income institutions. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 28.8% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $104,700, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 0.75%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 28.8%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 2.6%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $142,251
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
Truman State University produces inventors at a measurable rate, with 12 patents tied to its graduates.
- Inventor Rate
- 0.25%
- Top 70% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 12
- Linked to graduates
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $2,900,875
- Investment Income
- $-12,151,968
Top Programs
The fields Truman State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Business & Marketing 16% $51,598 early-career
- Health Professions 16% $66,572 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 11% $32,231 early-career
- Psychology 7% $33,705 early-career
- Social Sciences 6% $55,225 early-career
- Visual & Performing Arts 6% $35,271 early-career
- English & Literature 5% $29,384 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 4% $87,368 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Truman State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Truman State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State University admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 84%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,320. The graduation rate is roughly 68%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Truman State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Truman State University is $18,566, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $12,780. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $6,046 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $21,000 in federal student loans.
Is Truman State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Truman State University earn a median of $56,280, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does Truman State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Truman State University is a measurable contributor to upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 0.75%, in line with strong performers nationally. Access is narrower: only about 2.6% of students come from the bottom income quintile, typical of more selective, higher-income institutions. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 28.8% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $104,700, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Truman State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Truman State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.72, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 10% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Truman State University.
- University of Illinois SpringfieldSpringfield, IL · Close peer57% grad $57,103 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan CampusTeaneck, NJ · Close peer58% grad $57,273 earn 91% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Carroll UniversityWaukesha, WI · Close peer70% grad $58,009 earn 67% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Framingham State UniversityFramingham, MA · Close peer49% grad $52,349 earn 84% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston, MN · Close peer50% grad $58,056 earn 88% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
- Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg, MD · Close peer51% grad $55,493 earn 89% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Truman State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Truman State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.72, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.01), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 10% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note