Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Missouri
- 50
- Schools
- $49,911
- Avg. Earnings
- 53%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,820
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,591
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $32,442 at the low end to $137,047 at the top. That 4.2× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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St Charles Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $42,422 against $5,837 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is St Charles Community College, at $5,837 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Washington University in St Louis graduates 94% of its students, well above the 53% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis: graduates owe only 0.13× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Washington University in St Louis ($86,182 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis ($137,047). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. St Charles Community College ($5,837/yr) and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis ($31,817/yr) produce graduates earning $42,422 and $137,047 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $25,980 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, St Charles Community College outperforms University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis: similar career earnings at a much lower 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 St Charles Community College 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 $45K 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 2026-06-15
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 ▲ +73% vs avg | $21,786 | 94% | 79 |
| 2 Truman State University #2 overall | $56,280 ▲ +13% vs avg | $12,780 | 68% | 72 |
| 3 | $82,957 ▲ +66% vs avg | $16,298 | 64% | 72 |
| $59,268 ▲ +19% vs avg | $17,562 | 64% | 70 | |
| $49,560 ▼ -1% vs avg | $14,462 | 52% | 69 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Missouri
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $49,911 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 53% and an average net price of $16,820.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: St Charles Community College — Net Price: $5,837 | Graduation Rate: 24%
- 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
Our Analysis Found
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?
$44,704
Median earnings (10yr)
52%
Median graduation rate
$16,271
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Missouri serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 50 schools. Graduates earn a median of $44,704 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 52%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $16,271 a year with about $20,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 33% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.2%.
For Missouri, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $16,271 and graduates earning a median of $44,704, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
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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, 73% 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, 13% 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 72/100 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, 66% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,298 a year. 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 70/100 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, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,562 a year. 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 69/100 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, 1% 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 69/100 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, 34% 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 #7
Maryville University of Saint Louis lands at #7 with a 68/100 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, 24% 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 #8
Saint Louis University lands at #8 with a 68/100 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, 42% 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 #9
Northwest Missouri State University lands at #9 with a 67/100 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, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,244 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
Cape Girardeau, MO · 74% accepted · $15,882 net
Why it ranks #10
Southeast Missouri State University lands at #10 with a 67/100 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,882 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 #11
Jefferson College lands at #11 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $40,782 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,378 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 #12
North Central Missouri College lands at #12 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $40,837 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,626 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 67/100 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, 15% 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
Webster University lands at #14 with a 67/100 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% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Lindenwood University lands at #15 with a 67/100 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, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,638 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 #16
Avila University lands at #16 with a 66/100 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, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,053 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 #17
Stephens College lands at #17 with a 66/100 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, 14% 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 #18
Ozarks Technical Community College lands at #18 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $36,455 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,936 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 #19
Moberly Area Community College lands at #19 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $37,537 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,810 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 #20
Crowder College lands at #20 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $35,987 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,023 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 #21
Drury University lands at #21 with a 65/100 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, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,831 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 #22
Ozark Christian College lands at #22 with a 64/100 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, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,580 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 #23
Missouri Baptist University lands at #23 with a 64/100 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, 7% 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 #24
Westminster College lands at #24 with a 64/100 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, 5% 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
East Central College lands at #25 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,916 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,128 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 #26
Mineral Area College lands at #26 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $35,352 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,045 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
Saint Louis, MO · 90% accepted · $31,817 net
Why it ranks #27
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis lands at #27 with a 64/100 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, 175% 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 #28
Park University lands at #28 with a 64/100 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, 13% 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 #29
Evangel University lands at #29 with a 63/100 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, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,669 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 #30
Missouri Western State University lands at #30 with a 63/100 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, 15% 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 #31
Culver-Stockton College lands at #31 with a 63/100 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, 8% 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 #32
Southwest Baptist University lands at #32 with a 63/100 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, 14% 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 #33
Missouri Valley College lands at #33 with a 61/100 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, 13% 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
Why it ranks #34
University of Missouri-Columbia lands at #34 with a 61/100 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, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,268 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 #35
University of Missouri-Kansas City lands at #35 with a 61/100 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, 19% 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 #36
College of the Ozarks lands at #36 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, 17% 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 #37
William Woods University lands at #37 with a 60/100 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, 15% 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 #38
State Technical College of Missouri lands at #38 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (80/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $55,901 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,190 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
Fayette, MO · 57% accepted · $22,766 net
Why it ranks #39
Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences lands at #39 with a 59/100 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, 2% 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 #40
University of Missouri-St Louis lands at #40 with a 58/100 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, 6% 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 #41
Missouri State University-Springfield lands at #41 with a 58/100 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, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,613 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 #42
Three Rivers College lands at #42 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $32,442 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,496 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 #43
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City lands at #43 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $40,796 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,398 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 #44
St Charles Community College lands at #44 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $42,422 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,837 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 #45
Cottey College lands at #45 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, 29% 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 #46
Hannibal-LaGrange University lands at #46 with a 56/100 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, 15% 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 #47
Missouri State University-West Plains lands at #47 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $36,922 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,750 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 #48
State Fair Community College lands at #48 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $35,562 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,985 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 #49
Columbia College lands at #49 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, 9% 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 #50
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies lands at #50 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, 18% 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a college in Missouri can be a significant decision for students and families alike. With 50 institutions on this list, we explore the schools that not only provide education but also put graduates on a path to good earnings and reduced debt. The average earnings for graduates from these schools sit at $49,991.
What sets the top performers apart is their combination of high graduation rates, manageable debt, and the ability to boost graduates' earnings. For instance, Washington University in St. Louis stands out with an impressive 94% graduation rate and an average earning potential of $86,182. Below, you'll see how each institution measures up on these critical metrics, helping you make an informed decision.
Consider the differences between the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and Truman State University. The former boasts the highest average earnings at $137,047, but comes with a higher net price of $31,817. In contrast, Truman State has a more accessible net price of $12,780, but its average earnings are significantly lower at $56,280. These distinctions can greatly influence your choice as you weigh costs against potential returns.
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 34 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.2%. 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 8.7% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Crowder College leads at 18.3%, 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 16.6% 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 1.58 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
When examining the data, we see a clear pattern: graduates from the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis have a much higher earning potential than those from Truman State University. Specifically, alumni from the former earn an average of $137,047, compared to Truman State's $56,280. However, the financial tradeoff is substantial; the net price for the University of Health Sciences is $31,817, while Truman State is only $12,780. This contrast illustrates the balance between immediate costs and long-term financial benefits.
So, how should you approach this list of 50 schools? Start by identifying your priorities. Are you looking for a program that aligns with your career goals, or is affordability your main concern? It's essential to weigh factors like location and campus culture alongside these data points. For example, a school with higher debt may offer better job prospects, but it could also lead to financial strain after graduation.
Ultimately, this data reflects a critical journey: the transition from college to stable employment. Each student's situation is unique, but these figures showcase the potential benefits of higher education. One family's investment in a college education can lead to a more secure financial future, making careful consideration vital in this decision-making process.
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 Colleges in Missouri: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Missouri ranking? +
Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO ranks #1 in our 2026 Best 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 $49,911 average across the 50 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, St Charles Community College leads: graduates earn a median $42,422 against net price of about $5,837 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 53% 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 $16,820 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. St Charles Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,837. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best 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 50 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
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