# Best Communications Colleges in Missouri

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 12 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-missouri

## Methodology

Communications programs in Missouri ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Key Findings

- University of Missouri-Columbia graduates earn an average of $63,403, the highest in this ranking.
- The average graduation rate across these schools is 54%, with some schools exceeding 75%.
- University of Missouri-St Louis graduates have a debt level of $20,000, which is lower than William Jewell College's $24,498 debt.
- University of Central Missouri has the lowest average earnings at $49,560 among the top five.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [William Jewell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-jewell-college) | Liberty, MO | 64% | $59,268 | $17,562 | $24,498 | 0.41x |
| 2 | [University of Central Missouri](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-missouri) | Warrensburg, MO | 52% | $49,560 | $14,462 | $21,000 | 0.42x |
| 3 | [Southeast Missouri State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southeast-missouri-state-university) | Cape Girardeau, MO | 57% | $44,030 | $15,882 | $21,500 | 0.49x |
| 4 | [Webster University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/webster-university) | Saint Louis, MO | 63% | $50,876 | $27,047 | $23,000 | 0.45x |
| 5 | [Northwest Missouri State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-missouri-state-university) | Maryville, MO | 56% | $47,885 | $16,244 | $21,500 | 0.45x |
| 6 | [Lindenwood University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lindenwood-university) | Saint Charles, MO | 50% | $53,278 | $19,638 | $26,000 | 0.49x |
| 7 | [Drury University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/drury-university) | Springfield, MO | 64% | $40,694 | $20,831 | $20,979 | 0.52x |
| 8 | [Evangel University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/evangel-university) | Springfield, MO | 65% | $46,573 | $18,669 | $24,736 | 0.53x |
| 9 | [University of Missouri-Columbia](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-missouri-columbia) | Columbia, MO | 76% | $63,403 | $20,268 | $20,500 | 0.32x |
| 10 | [College of the Ozarks](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-the-ozarks) | Point Lookout, MO | 62% | $41,592 | $6,100 | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | [University of Missouri-St Louis](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-missouri-st-louis) | Saint Louis, MO | 57% | $53,037 | $15,071 | $20,000 | 0.38x |
| 12 | [Missouri State University-Springfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/missouri-state-university-springfield) | Springfield, MO | 58% | $49,827 | $17,613 | $21,992 | 0.44x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Communications Colleges in Missouri." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-missouri

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.