Students at the University of Missouri-Columbia achieve consistently strong financial outcomes that place the university among the top performers nationally for long-term earnings.
Graduates see particularly impressive results in economic mobility, with low-income students earning substantially more than peers at similar institutions.
Azimuth ranks the University of Missouri-Columbia among the top public universities nationwide for overall value, reflecting its strong balance of solid earnings outcomes and reasonable affordability. What distinguishes Mizzou is its ability to deliver consistently strong financial returns—graduates earn a median of $63,403 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for long-term earnings. The university serves about 20% Pell Grant recipients and 20% first-generation students, maintaining broad access while achieving outcomes that place it in the "Selective Achievers" category for economic mobility.
As Missouri's flagship research university, Mizzou combines the comprehensive academic offerings and campus experience of a major public institution with financial outcomes that consistently exceed what similar universities deliver. The university's strength spans multiple fields, from business and engineering to health sciences and journalism, providing students with both academic breadth and clear pathways to well-paying careers. For families seeking a traditional flagship experience with strong return on investment, Mizzou represents a compelling option that balances accessibility, academic quality, and long-term financial success.
The University of Missouri-Columbia offers a well-balanced program portfolio that provides multiple pathways to strong career outcomes. Business/Commerce stands out as both the largest program, graduating 707 students annually, and the highest aggregate return generator, with graduates earning a median of $48,892. This combination of scale and solid earnings makes business education a cornerstone of Mizzou's economic impact, preparing large numbers of students for corporate, entrepreneurial, and professional service careers.
Engineering programs deliver the university's strongest individual earnings outcomes, with Industrial Engineering graduates earning a median of $69,338—among the highest at the institution. Health Services programs, graduating 478 students, provide stable career pathways with median earnings of $33,624, reflecting the consistent demand for healthcare professionals. Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as Biology with 189 graduates earning $26,121, often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or professional programs that enhance long-term earning potential.
This program mix reflects Mizzou's comprehensive mission as a flagship research university, balancing high-return professional programs with foundational disciplines that support diverse career paths. The university's ability to graduate substantial numbers in business and health fields while maintaining strong engineering outcomes demonstrates both academic breadth and workforce alignment with Missouri's economic needs.
Graduates of the University of Missouri-Columbia achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the university among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $63,403, positioning Mizzou in the top 20% of public universities for long-term earnings. This performance reflects both the university's comprehensive program offerings and its ability to prepare students for careers that continue to advance over time, particularly in business, engineering, and professional fields where starting salaries translate into sustained earning power.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its business and engineering programs, which combine high enrollment with solid earnings outcomes. Business/Commerce graduates, representing the largest cohort at 707 students, earn a median of $48,892 and generate the highest aggregate return among all programs. Industrial Engineering delivers the strongest individual earnings at $69,338 median income, while Health Services programs, with 478 graduates, provide stable career pathways with median earnings of $33,624. This mix of high-volume business programs and specialized technical fields creates multiple pathways to financial success, whether students pursue corporate careers, technical roles, or professional services.
Affordability at the University of Missouri-Columbia remains reasonable across income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Missouri families and competitive for out-of-state students. Low-income students pay about $13,599 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $15,707 per year—both figures that compare favorably with many flagship universities. Even higher-income families face net prices of $24,637, which represents solid value given the university's strong outcomes and comprehensive offerings.
Debt levels at Mizzou are manageable relative to graduate earnings. Typical students leave with about $20,500 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $25,000. With graduates earning a median of $63,403 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably, and the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations. The combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong earning potential creates a sustainable financial model for most families.
University Of Missouri-Columbia Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
