Rankings / By State
Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
- 43
- Schools
- $52,010
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,354
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,121
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 43 schools run from $31,088 to $137,047, a 4.4× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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College of the Ozarks delivers the most for the money: roughly $41,592 in median earnings against $6,100 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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College of the Ozarks is the lowest-cost school here at $6,100 a year in net price.
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Washington University in St Louis graduates 94% of its students, versus a 55% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.13× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Washington University in St Louis ($86,182 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis ($137,047), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- College of the Ozarks costs $6,100 a year and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis costs $31,817. Yet their graduates earn $41,592 and $137,047, nowhere near the $25,717 price gap.
- On value, College of the Ozarks beats University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with College of the Ozarks and Washington University in St Louis. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $48K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Washington University in St Louis #1 overall | $86,182 ▲ +66% vs avg | $21,786 | 94% | 79 |
| 2 Truman State University #2 overall | $56,280 ▲ +8% vs avg | $12,780 | 68% | 72 |
| 3 | $82,957 ▲ +60% vs avg | $16,298 | 64% | 70 |
| $59,268 ▲ +14% vs avg | $17,562 | 64% | 69 | |
| $49,560 ▼ -5% vs avg | $14,462 | 52% | 68 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
This analysis ranks 43 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,010 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $19,354.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: College of the Ozarks — Net Price: $6,100 | Graduation Rate: 62%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Washington University in St Louis — 94% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis — Median alumni earnings: $137,047
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Missouri Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Missouri?
$47,273
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$20,268
Median net price
1.1%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Missouri, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 43 schools. Graduates earn a median of $47,273 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 56%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $20,268 a year with about $21,685 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 35% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.1%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Missouri pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $20,268 and median earnings of $47,273 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Washington University in St Louis lands at #1 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (76/100). Graduates earn a median $86,182 a decade after enrolling, 66% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,786 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Truman State University lands at #2 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,280 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,780 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Rolla, MO · 73% accepted · $16,298 net
Why it ranks #3
Missouri University of Science and Technology lands at #3 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $82,957 a decade after enrolling, 60% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,298 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
William Jewell College lands at #4 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $59,268 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,562 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Central Missouri lands at #5 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $49,560 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,462 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Rockhurst University lands at #6 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $67,102 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,884 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Cape Girardeau, MO · 74% accepted · $15,882 net
Why it ranks #7
Southeast Missouri State University lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $44,030 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,882 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Northwest Missouri State University lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $47,885 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,244 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Saint Louis University lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $70,783 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,398 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #10
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #10 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,105 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Missouri Southern State University lands at #11 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $42,620 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,007 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Lindenwood University lands at #12 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $53,278 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,638 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Webster University lands at #13 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $50,876 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,047 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Stephens College lands at #14 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $43,071 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,459 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Drury University lands at #15 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $40,694 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,831 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Saint Louis, MO · 90% accepted · $31,817 net
Why it ranks #16
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis lands at #16 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $137,047 a decade after enrolling, 164% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,817 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Avila University lands at #17 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,773 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,053 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Missouri-Columbia lands at #18 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $63,403 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,268 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Missouri Baptist University lands at #19 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $46,660 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,006 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
University of Missouri-Kansas City lands at #20 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $59,637 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,310 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Ozark Christian College lands at #21 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $41,297 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,580 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Missouri Western State University lands at #22 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $42,647 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,251 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Evangel University lands at #23 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $46,573 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,669 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Westminster College lands at #24 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $52,199 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,314 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
College of the Ozarks lands at #25 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (35/100). Graduates earn a median $41,592 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,100 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Park University lands at #26 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $56,309 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,032 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Culver-Stockton College lands at #27 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,092 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,983 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Southwest Baptist University lands at #28 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $43,112 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,677 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
University of Missouri-St Louis lands at #29 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $53,037 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,071 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Springfield, MO · 91% accepted · $17,613 net
Why it ranks #30
Missouri State University-Springfield lands at #30 with a 59/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,827 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,613 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Missouri Valley College lands at #31 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $43,221 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,086 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Fayette, MO · 57% accepted · $22,766 net
Why it ranks #32
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences lands at #32 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $48,991 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,766 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Cottey College lands at #33 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (57/100). Graduates earn a median $35,422 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,805 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
William Woods University lands at #34 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,401 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,569 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Hannibal-LaGrange University lands at #35 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,643 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,814 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Columbia College lands at #36 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $45,378 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,715 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Springfield, MO · $10,566 net
Why it ranks #37
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies lands at #37 with a 51/100 composite, led by value per dollar (66/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $40,694 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,566 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Harris-Stowe State University lands at #38 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (61/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (49/100). Graduates earn a median $31,088 a decade after enrolling, 40% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,922 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Kansas City, MO · 96% accepted · $23,006 net
Why it ranks #39
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary lands at #39 with a 48/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (32/100). Graduates earn a median $50,535 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,006 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Kansas City Art Institute lands at #40 with a 48/100 composite, led by academic quality (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $37,032 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,650 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Urshan University lands at #41 with a 47/100 composite, led by value per dollar (61/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Net price runs $14,779 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Lincoln University lands at #42 with a 46/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (53/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $39,463 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,092 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Mission University lands at #43 with a 42/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (53/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $38,641 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,383 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 43 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Finding the right bachelor's program can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Missouri with a wide range of options. With 43 schools to choose from, it’s essential to look closely at what these institutions offer beyond just the classroom. For many families, understanding the financial implications and future earning potential is crucial in making this life-changing decision.
The schools listed here stand out primarily due to their outcomes: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, and student debt levels. The data highlights how well graduates fare in the job market and the financial burden they carry. As you explore the list below, keep in mind that a higher earning potential combined with manageable debt can significantly impact a graduate's quality of life.
Take Washington University in St. Louis, for instance. With an average earning of $86,182 and a graduation rate of 94%, it clearly leads the group. In contrast, Truman State University shows a different picture with $56,280 in earnings and a graduation rate of 68%. These differences highlight the trade-offs students must consider when selecting a program that meets their academic and financial needs.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 28 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.1%. Park University leads the group at 3.9%, with College of the Ozarks (3.3%) and Missouri Southern State University (1.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 7.3% of students start in the bottom income quintile. College of the Ozarks leads at 17.9%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 17.9% across this list. Washington University in St Louis posts the highest success rate at 53.5%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.66 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Washington University in St Louis reaches 1.83, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
At first glance, the differences between schools in Missouri can seem subtle. However, a closer look reveals significant disparities. For example, Washington University in St. Louis not only has the highest earnings at $86,182, but it also boasts a graduation rate of 94%. In contrast, Missouri University of Science and Technology, while still strong, has lower earnings at $82,957 and a graduation rate of 64%. This gap highlights the importance of graduation rates in determining long-term financial success.
As you sift through these options, consider what matters most to you or your child. Are you prioritizing a strong alumni network, specific program offerings, or geographical location? The financial data should be weighed alongside these factors. If one school offers a lower net price but has a higher debt level, it may not be the best fit for every student. Make a list of priorities and see how each school aligns with them.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life hinges on the choices made now. Strong outcomes can lead to better job prospects, but they also come with financial considerations. A well-informed decision can set a family on a course toward financial stability. Reflecting on the data, remember that one school’s higher earnings may come with a higher price tag. That choice could shape a graduate's financial future in profound ways.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri ranking? +
Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $86,182 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 94% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis posts the highest median earnings on this list: $137,047 ten years after enrollment, well above the $52,010 average across the 42 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, College of the Ozarks leads: graduates earn a median $41,592 against net price of about $6,100 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Washington University in St Louis has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 94%, compared with a 55% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,354 a year across the 43 ranked schools with cost data. College of the Ozarks is among the most affordable at roughly $6,100. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Bachelor's Programs in Missouri ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 43 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
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