University of Central Missouri
#1 Best Education Colleges in Missouri- Graduation Rate
- 52% C-
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $49,560 B-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $14,462 C+
- 16% less than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 64% B
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 21.2× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $21.2 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best Education Colleges in Missouri.
Every $1 spent returns $21.2 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,170,568.
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 22% above the national college median.
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Every $1 invested returns $21.2 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why University of Central Missouri Matters
University of Central Missouri is a public university in Warrensburg, 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
- 5,648
- Setting
- Town
- Primary Strengths
- Education, Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Criminal Justice
Why students choose University of Central Missouri
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
Competitive — admits about 64% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $14,462 a year after grants and scholarships — 16% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $49,560 ten years after enrolling — 22% 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 85% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.64 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of about 5,650 students, the University of Central Missouri is a solid choice for those looking to pursue degrees in practical fields like Education, Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, Health Professions, and Computer Science & IT. The acceptance rate of 64% means that while there's a good chance of getting in, students who thrive here are often those who value a supportive learning environment and a focus on career readiness. The graduation rate stands at 52%, which suggests that while some students take longer to complete their studies, many do find their way to earning a degree.
When it comes to life after graduation, the average earnings of $49,560 ten years out indicate that students can expect a decent return on their investment. The affordability of the school is an important factor, especially with a net price of $14,462 after aid. This makes it a viable option for many, especially given that 27% of students receive Pell Grants, which help lower-income students pay for college. While we don’t have mobility data, the earnings suggest that graduates generally find opportunities that help them advance in their careers.
Financially, students at the University of Central Missouri graduate with a median debt of $21,000, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often those who are practical and focused on their career goals. With a supportive community and programs geared toward real-world applications, students can navigate their way toward fulfilling careers without being buried in debt. Overall, it’s a school that aligns well with those looking for a balanced education that leads to tangible outcomes.
Rankings
- #1 Best Education Colleges in Missouri
- #2 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Missouri
- #2 Best Communications Colleges in Missouri
- #5 Best Colleges in Missouri
- #5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
- #5 Best Master's Programs in Missouri
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Missouri
- #5 Best Computer Science Colleges in Missouri
Can I Get In?
How selective University of Central Missouri 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 University of Central Missouri? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Warrensburg, Missouri, University of Central Missouri offers a realistic path to admission, with roughly 64% of applicants receiving an offer. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,050. The graduation rate is roughly 52%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Retention Rate
- 74%
- SAT Average
- 1050
- ACT Range
- 17–24
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $9,188
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.43
- First-Gen Students
- 33%
- Applicants
- 4,993
- Admitted
- 3,562
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 University of Central Missouri? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Central Missouri is $18,600, 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 $14,462. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $10,965 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $21,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $10,050
- Out-of-State
- $18,600
- Avg Net Price
- $14,462
- Median Debt
- $21,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 27%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 32%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $10,965
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $12,254
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $13,408
- Family Income $110K+
- $18,485
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 University of Central Missouri — 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 University of Central Missouri Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Central Missouri earn a median of $49,560, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $41,593
- 8 Years
- $45,855
- 10 Years
- $49,560
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.42x
- Earning > $25K
- 65%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (519)
- 31%
- 100% (519)
- 31%
- 100% (519)
- 31%
- 100% (519)
- 31%
How University 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 University of Central Missouri Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of Central Missouri delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $14,462/year ($57,848 total). Graduates earn $49,560 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,228,416 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,170,568 (21.2× your investment). The median debt is $21,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 52% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $57,848
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,228,416
- Net Return
- $1,170,568
- ROI Multiple
- 21.2×
- Cost Per Year
- $14,462
- Median Debt
- $21,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
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 University of Central Missouri Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
University of Central Missouri 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 0.85%, in line with strong performers nationally. About 5.1% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 16.6% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $83,800, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 0.85%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 16.6%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 5.1%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $113,855
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Federal Grants
- $2,358,777
- Investment Income
- $-3,022,278
Top Programs
The fields University of Central Missouri 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.
- Education 14% $40,073 early-career
- Business & Marketing 12% $77,913 early-career
- Health Professions 9% $69,071 early-career
- Criminal Justice 8% $55,985 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 8% $68,749 early-career
- Visual & Performing Arts 5% $39,967 early-career
- Humanities 3% $35,271 early-career
- Communications 3% $43,355 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 University of Central Missouri'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+Marketing Manager$156,580 · 8% growthAdaptable 64
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CAdvertising Manager$138,730 · 6% growthAdaptable 64
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Central Missouri? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Warrensburg, Missouri, University of Central Missouri offers a realistic path to admission, with roughly 64% of applicants receiving an offer. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,050. The graduation rate is roughly 52%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Central Missouri? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Central Missouri is $18,600, 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 $14,462. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $10,965 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $21,000 in federal student loans.
Is University of Central Missouri Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Central Missouri earn a median of $49,560, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Does University of Central Missouri Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
University of Central Missouri 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 0.85%, in line with strong performers nationally. About 5.1% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 16.6% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $83,800, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is University of Central Missouri? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at University of Central Missouri. Its economic connectedness score is 1.64, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of Central Missouri.
- University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis, MO · Close peer57% grad $53,037 earn 63% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston, IL · Close peer46% grad $51,989 earn 65% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg, SC · Close peer43% grad $48,587 earn 67% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Augusta UniversityAugusta, GA · Close peer49% grad $48,472 earn 86% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center, MI · Close peer51% grad $51,955 earn 72% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles, MO · Close peer50% grad $53,278 earn 57% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is University of Central Missouri? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at University of Central Missouri. Its economic connectedness score is 1.64, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note