Harris-Stowe State University provides crucial access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, with nearly three-quarters receiving Pell Grants.
While completion rates present challenges, graduates who finish their degrees achieve earnings that exceed expectations for similar students nationwide.
Harris-Stowe State University serves as an important access point for higher education in Missouri, particularly for students who might not otherwise attend college. With nearly 73% of students receiving Pell Grants and 47% being first-generation college students, the university fulfills a crucial role in providing educational opportunities to underserved populations. The institution maintains very affordable net prices, with low-income students paying around $12,412 annually.
While Harris-Stowe faces challenges with completion rates, with about 27% of students graduating within six years, it does provide meaningful earnings outcomes for those who complete their degrees. Graduates earn a median of $31,088 ten years after enrollment, and the university shows positive value-added earnings, meaning graduates earn slightly more than expected compared to similar students at other institutions.
As a small public university in Saint Louis, Harris-Stowe offers an intimate learning environment focused on serving students who need additional support to succeed in higher education. The university's mission centers on access and opportunity rather than selectivity, making it an important option for Missouri students seeking an affordable path to a college degree.
Harris-Stowe State University focuses on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. The university's program portfolio is concentrated in fields like criminal justice, business, and education, reflecting its mission to serve students seeking professional preparation rather than academic research careers.
Corrections Administration stands out as the program with the highest aggregate return, graduating 36 students annually with median earnings of $29,685. This program aligns well with public service career paths and provides stable employment opportunities in Missouri's criminal justice system. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 32 students with earnings around $25,967, offering broad preparation for various business roles.
The relatively small program sizes at Harris-Stowe allow for personalized attention and close faculty mentorship, which can be particularly valuable for first-generation students navigating college and career preparation. While earnings outcomes are modest compared to larger research universities, these programs provide practical skills and credentials that lead to stable employment in essential community services.
Harris-Stowe State University graduates achieve modest but meaningful earnings outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $31,088, and the university demonstrates positive value-added earnings of about $1,407, meaning graduates earn slightly more than expected compared to similar students at other institutions. While these earnings levels are lower than at many universities, they represent solid progress for the student population Harris-Stowe serves.
The university's strongest programs in terms of aggregate return include Corrections Administration, which graduates about 36 students annually with median earnings of $29,685, and Business Administration and Management, the largest program with 32 graduates earning around $25,967. These programs reflect the university's focus on practical, career-oriented fields that lead directly to employment in public service and business sectors. The relatively small program sizes allow for personalized attention and strong faculty-student relationships that can benefit career development.
Harris-Stowe State University stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay a net price of just $12,412 per year, well below national averages for public institutions. Middle-income families see annual costs around $15,521, while even high-income families pay only $19,616 annually. This pricing structure makes Harris-Stowe one of the most accessible options for higher education in Missouri.
The university's commitment to affordability extends beyond tuition to manageable debt levels. Typical graduates leave with about $25,930 in federal student loan debt, which, while substantial relative to earnings, reflects the university's efforts to keep costs low for students who often have limited financial resources. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $8,440, a relatively modest amount that suggests families can contribute meaningfully without taking on excessive debt burdens.
Harris-Stowe State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
