Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Missouri
- 30
- Schools
- $53,788
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,359
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,112
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Median graduate earnings across these 30 schools run from $31,088 to $137,047, a 4.4× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
-
University of Missouri-Kansas City delivers the most for the money: roughly $59,637 in median earnings against $13,310 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
-
Harris-Stowe State University is the lowest-cost school here at $9,922 a year in net price.
-
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.
-
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.
- Harris-Stowe State University costs $9,922 a year and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis costs $31,817. Yet their graduates earn $31,088 and $137,047, nowhere near the $21,895 price gap.
- On value, University of Missouri-Kansas City beats University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with University of Missouri-Kansas City and Washington University in St Louis. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $50K 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 ▲ +60% vs avg | $21,786 | 94% | 85 |
| 2 Truman State University #2 overall | $56,280 ▲ +5% vs avg | $12,780 | 68% | 77 |
| 3 Drury University #3 overall | $40,694 ▼ -24% vs avg | $20,831 | 64% | 75 |
| $59,268 ▲ +10% vs avg | $17,562 | 64% | 73 | |
| $67,102 ▲ +25% vs avg | $25,884 | 75% | 72 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Missouri
This analysis ranks 30 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $53,788 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $19,359.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Missouri-Kansas City — Net Price: $13,310 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- 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?
$49,694
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$19,365
Median net price
1.0%
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.
The median graduation rate across these 30 schools is 56%. Median graduate earnings reach $49,694 ten years after enrollment, roughly $1,694 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $19,365 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $21,500. Some 33% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.0%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Missouri pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $19,365 and median earnings of $49,694 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 85/100 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, 60% 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 77/100 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, 5% 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
Why it ranks #3
Drury University lands at #3 with a 75/100 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, 24% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
William Jewell College lands at #4 with a 73/100 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, 10% 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
Rockhurst University lands at #5 with a 72/100 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, 25% 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
Why it ranks #6
Saint Louis University lands at #6 with a 72/100 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, 32% 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
Why it ranks #7
University of Central Missouri lands at #7 with a 71/100 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, 8% 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 #8
Westminster College lands at #8 with a 70/100 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, 3% below 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cape Girardeau, MO · 74% accepted · $15,882 net
Why it ranks #9
Southeast Missouri State University lands at #9 with a 70/100 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, 18% 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
Saint Louis, MO · 90% accepted · $31,817 net
Why it ranks #10
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis lands at #10 with a 70/100 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, 155% 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
Saint Louis, MO · 95% accepted · $22,066 net
Why it ranks #11
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #11 with a 69/100 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, 15% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Northwest Missouri State University lands at #12 with a 69/100 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, 11% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Missouri Southern State University lands at #13 with a 69/100 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, 21% 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 #14
Stephens College lands at #14 with a 69/100 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, 20% 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
Webster University lands at #15 with a 68/100 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, 5% 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 #16
Lindenwood University lands at #16 with a 68/100 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, 1% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Avila University lands at #17 with a 68/100 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, 2% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Missouri-Kansas City lands at #18 with a 66/100 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, 11% 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 #19
Culver-Stockton College lands at #19 with a 65/100 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, 14% 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 #20
Missouri Western State University lands at #20 with a 65/100 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, 21% 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 #21
Missouri Valley College lands at #21 with a 64/100 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, 20% 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 #22
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences lands at #22 with a 64/100 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, 9% 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 #23
University of Missouri-Columbia lands at #23 with a 64/100 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, 18% 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 #24
William Woods University lands at #24 with a 62/100 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, 21% 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
Springfield, MO · 91% accepted · $17,613 net
Why it ranks #25
Missouri State University-Springfield lands at #25 with a 61/100 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, 7% 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 #26
University of Missouri-St Louis lands at #26 with a 61/100 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, 1% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Cottey College lands at #27 with a 60/100 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, 34% 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 #28
Hannibal-LaGrange University lands at #28 with a 58/100 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, 21% 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 #29
Harris-Stowe State University lands at #29 with a 55/100 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, 42% 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
Why it ranks #30
Lincoln University lands at #30 with a 48/100 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, 27% 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 30 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right biology program in Missouri can significantly impact a student's future. With 29 colleges offering biology degrees, each school presents unique opportunities and challenges. It's essential to weigh these options carefully, especially considering that the average earnings for graduates in this field is $54,162.
The top programs here stand out based on critical outcomes, including earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall program concentration. Understanding these metrics can help students and families make informed decisions. For instance, a school with high earnings and graduation rates may indicate strong support and job placement for its graduates.
Take Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Graduates from Washington University earn an impressive $86,182, with a graduation rate of 94%. In contrast, the University of Missouri-Kansas City has lower earnings at $59,637 and a graduation rate of just 56%. These figures highlight the trade-offs students may face when choosing a program that fits their career aspirations and financial situation.
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
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 20 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Missouri Southern State University leads the group at 1.7%, with Rockhurst University (1.6%) and Culver-Stockton College (1.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 6.3% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Missouri Southern State University enrolls the most, at 11.8%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 19.4% across the list, peaking at 53.5% at Washington University in St Louis.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.66, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Washington University in St Louis is highest at 1.83.
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
Consider the difference in outcomes between Washington University in St. Louis and Truman State University. While Washington graduates enjoy earnings of $86,182, Truman State graduates earn significantly less at $56,280. Moreover, Washington boasts a graduation rate of 94%, compared to Truman State's 68%. This demonstrates how program support and institutional resources can lead to better financial outcomes.
As you evaluate these programs, think about your own priorities. Consider factors like location, campus culture, and financial implications. A school with a higher net price may feel right if it offers more robust career support or research opportunities. Look closely at how each program aligns with your goals, be it job placement, internships, or academic focus.
Ultimately, this data speaks to the importance of selecting a college that not only meets academic needs but also supports long-term financial stability. One decision can shape a family's future. By understanding the costs and earnings associated with each program, we can make choices that lead to fulfilling careers.
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 Biology Colleges in Missouri: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Missouri ranking? +
Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges 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 $53,788 average across the 30 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, University of Missouri-Kansas City leads: graduates earn a median $59,637 against net price of about $13,310 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 $19,359 a year across the 30 ranked schools with cost data. Harris-Stowe State University is among the most affordable at roughly $9,922. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges 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 30 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.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
