Students at Missouri University of Science and Technology achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes available in public higher education, with graduates earning far more than similar students at other institutions.
The university's technical focus and industry connections create exceptional earning power that places it among the very best public universities nationwide for long-term financial returns.
Missouri University of Science and Technology ranks among the top public institutions nationwide for long-term financial outcomes, delivering exceptional value for students pursuing technical careers. Located in Rolla, this specialized public research university focuses primarily on engineering, computer science, and applied sciences, creating a concentrated academic environment that consistently produces graduates with strong earning power. The university's selective approach means fewer low-income students gain access compared to typical public institutions, but those who do attend see remarkable financial success.
Graduates earn a median of $82,957 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. What makes Missouri S&T particularly compelling is its ability to deliver earnings that far exceed expectations—graduates earn about $17,429 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities. This performance stems from the university's technical focus and strong industry connections, particularly in engineering fields where starting salaries and career trajectories remain consistently robust.
As a medium-sized public research university with deep expertise in STEM fields, Missouri S&T offers the specialized focus of a technical institute with the resources and recognition of a major state university. For students seeking careers in engineering, technology, and applied sciences, few public options deliver stronger financial returns on investment.
Missouri University of Science and Technology's program portfolio reflects its specialized mission in engineering and applied sciences, with nearly every major connecting directly to high-demand technical careers. Mechanical Engineering dominates both enrollment and economic impact, graduating 279 students annually with strong median earnings of $68,939 and generating nearly $19.2 million in total economic value for graduates. This combination of scale and outcomes makes it the university's flagship program and a key driver of overall institutional performance.
Engineering programs consistently deliver exceptional financial returns across specializations. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces 138 graduates earning $73,358, while specialized fields like Metallurgical Engineering achieve even higher individual earnings at $74,200 despite smaller cohorts. These programs benefit from strong industry demand, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors where Missouri has significant employer presence.
The university's technical focus creates a concentrated academic environment where career outcomes remain consistently strong across programs. Even Biology, the university's lowest-earning major at $33,993, reflects the early-career trajectory typical of life sciences fields that often require additional education for maximum earning potential. The overall program mix emphasizes practical, applied learning that connects directly to industry needs, helping explain why Missouri S&T graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations by such substantial margins compared with peers at other institutions.
Missouri University of Science and Technology delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $82,957, placing the university in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive is how much graduates outperform expectations—they earn about $17,429 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities nationwide. This substantial earnings premium demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for high-value careers that continue paying dividends throughout their professional lives.
The university's program portfolio drives these outstanding results. Mechanical Engineering stands out as both the largest and highest-return program, graduating 279 students annually with median earnings of $68,939 and generating nearly $19.2 million in total economic value. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces 138 graduates earning $73,358, while specialized programs like Metallurgical Engineering achieve even higher individual earnings at $74,200. Even the university's lowest-earning major, Biology, still produces graduates earning $33,993, though this reflects the more modest early-career trajectory typical of life sciences fields that often require additional education for maximum earning potential.
The concentration in engineering and technical fields creates a focused academic environment where nearly every program connects directly to high-demand, well-compensated career paths. This specialization, combined with strong industry partnerships and the practical, hands-on approach typical of Missouri's technical education tradition, helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations by such wide margins.
Missouri University of Science and Technology offers strong affordability across income levels, making its exceptional outcomes accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $9,530 annually in net price, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families see costs around $12,585 per year. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $16,558 annually, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan for the full degree program without unexpected financial surprises.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is about $23,250, and with median graduate earnings near $83,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably within recommended debt-to-income guidelines. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,444, reflecting families who choose to invest directly in their student's technical education, and these amounts remain reasonable given the career trajectories that Missouri S&T graduates typically follow.
What makes the university particularly sustainable financially is the combination of moderate upfront costs with exceptional long-term earning power. The substantial earnings premium that graduates achieve—about $17,429 more than similar students elsewhere—means that even families who borrow moderately see strong returns on their educational investment. The university's focus on high-demand technical fields creates career paths where graduates can service educational debt while building substantial long-term wealth.
Missouri University Of Science And Technology Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
