Rankings / By State
Best Communications Colleges in Missouri
- 12
- Schools
- $50,002
- Avg. Earnings
- 60%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,449
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,337
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Median graduate earnings across these 12 schools run from $40,694 to $63,403, a 1.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
-
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.
-
College of the Ozarks is the lowest-cost school here at $6,100 a year in net price.
-
University of Missouri-Columbia graduates 76% of its students, versus a 60% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
-
University of Missouri-Columbia carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.32× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 William Jewell College ($59,268 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Missouri-Columbia ($63,403), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- College of the Ozarks costs $6,100 a year and Webster University costs $27,047. Yet their graduates earn $41,592 and $50,876, nowhere near the $20,947 price gap.
- On value, College of the Ozarks beats University of Missouri-Columbia: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with College of the Ozarks and University of Missouri-Columbia. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $50K within a decade, and pr specialist roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
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 William Jewell College #1 overall | $59,268 ▲ +19% vs avg | $17,562 | 64% | 73 |
| 2 University of Central Missouri #2 overall | $49,560 ▼ -1% vs avg | $14,462 | 52% | 71 |
| 3 Southeast Missouri State University #3 overall | $44,030 ▼ -12% vs avg | $15,882 | 57% | 70 |
| $50,876 ▲ +2% vs avg | $27,047 | 63% | 70 | |
| $47,885 ▼ -4% vs avg | $16,244 | 56% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Communications Colleges in Missouri
This analysis ranks 12 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,002 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 60% and an average net price of $17,449.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: College of the Ozarks — Net Price: $6,100 | Graduation Rate: 62%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Missouri-Columbia — 76% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Missouri-Columbia — Median alumni earnings: $63,403
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?
$49,694
Median earnings (10yr)
60%
Median graduation rate
$17,588
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Arts, communications, and humanities programs draw perpetual skepticism about their payoff. Early earnings do start lower, and the path is less linear. The core skills compound, though. Writing, judgment, persuasion, and creative problem-solving gain value over a career, and they are the abilities automation has been slowest to replicate.
Across the 12 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $49,694 ten years after they first enrolled, about $1,694 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 60%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $17,588 a year, with about $21,500 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 28% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.2%.
What we’re seeing: outcomes in these fields vary widely, and affordability matters most precisely where early earnings start slow. Median earnings of $49,694 ten years after enrollment against a $17,588 net price show why low cost is the lever that turns a humanities degree into a clear win.
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
William Jewell College lands at #1 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, 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 #2
University of Central Missouri lands at #2 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, 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
Cape Girardeau, MO · 74% accepted · $15,882 net
Why it ranks #3
Southeast Missouri State University lands at #3 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, 12% 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 #4
Webster University lands at #4 with a 70/100 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Northwest Missouri State University lands at #5 with a 70/100 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
Why it ranks #6
Lindenwood University lands at #6 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, 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Drury University lands at #7 with a 67/100 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, 19% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Evangel University lands at #8 with a 66/100 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. 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
University of Missouri-Columbia lands at #9 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, 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 #10
College of the Ozarks lands at #10 with a 62/100 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of Missouri-St Louis lands at #11 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, 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 #12
Missouri State University-Springfield lands at #12 with a 60/100 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 12 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become PR Specialists and related roles — a field with $67,440 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the PR Specialist career guide →When it comes to pursuing a degree in communications, students in Missouri have several solid options to consider. These programs share a focus on developing skills essential for various career paths in media, public relations, and corporate communications. With average earnings of $48,272 for graduates, the potential return on investment is an important factor for families weighing their choices.
The schools listed here are evaluated based on key outcomes like graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and student debt levels. For example, some institutions stand out with higher earnings and lower debt, making them more attractive options. This list ranks communications programs not just on popularity, but on the real-world success of their graduates.
Take the University of Missouri-Columbia and University of Missouri-Kansas City. The former boasts an impressive graduation rate of 76% and average earnings of $63,403, compared to UMKC's 56% graduation rate and $59,637 earnings. These differences highlight the range of experiences students might have, underscoring the importance of researching each program's fit for their individual goals.
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 9 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. College of the Ozarks leads the group at 3.3%, with Drury University (1.2%) and Evangel University (1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7.4% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. College of the Ozarks enrolls the most, at 17.9%, 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 16.2% across the list, peaking at 21.1% at Lindenwood University.
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 1.65, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and William Jewell College is highest at 1.79.
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 University of Missouri-Columbia clearly leads the pack with higher earnings and graduation rates. Graduates earn an average of $63,403, while University of Missouri-Kansas City, despite a strong program, averages $59,637. The difference in graduation rates—76% versus 56%—suggests that Columbia may provide a more supportive environment for students.
After reviewing the rankings, consider what factors matter most to you or your child. Is it essential to have a strong alumni network for job placements, or is location a priority? Personal experiences, campus culture, and financial implications should weigh heavily in your decision. Understanding how each program aligns with your values can help narrow down the choices.
Ultimately, these figures reflect more than just numbers; they represent the potential path from college to a stable career. Choosing the right school can set a family on a trajectory toward financial security and fulfillment. When selecting a communications program, it's about finding the best fit for your aspirations and circumstances.
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 Communications Colleges in Missouri: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Communications Colleges in Missouri ranking? +
William Jewell College in Liberty, MO ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Communications Colleges in Missouri ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $59,268 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 64% 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 Missouri-Columbia posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,403 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,002 average across the 12 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? +
University of Missouri-Columbia has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 76%, compared with a 60% 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 $17,449 a year across the 12 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 Communications 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 12 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
