Students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City achieve earnings that place the institution in the top quarter nationally, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income graduates who see meaningful economic advancement.
The combination of above-average earnings and below-average net prices creates exceptional value for students across income levels.
Azimuth ranks the University of Missouri-Kansas City among the top performers nationally for overall value, reflecting strong earnings outcomes and exceptional affordability. What distinguishes UMKC is its ability to deliver above-average long-term financial returns while maintaining net prices that are significantly lower than most public universities. Students earn a median of $59,637 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 72nd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university serves a moderately selective student population, with about 25% of students receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students. Despite this focused access profile, UMKC delivers particularly strong outcomes for low-income students, earning recognition as a "Selective Achievers" institution that combines solid selectivity with meaningful upward mobility for the students it serves.
As a mid-sized public research university in Kansas City, UMKC offers the advantages of an urban campus with strong employer connections across Missouri's largest metropolitan area. The institution's program mix spans business, engineering, health sciences, and liberal arts, with particular strength in fields that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. For families seeking a balance of academic quality, financial value, and career preparation, UMKC represents a compelling option in the public university landscape.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City's program portfolio reflects a balanced mix of professional and liberal arts fields, with particular strength in business, engineering, and health-related disciplines. Business/Commerce dominates both enrollment and aggregate economic impact, graduating 271 students annually who earn median salaries of $42,821 early in their careers. This combination of scale and solid earnings makes business the university's primary economic engine.
Engineering programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $71,015 median salary despite smaller cohort sizes of 63 students. Biology represents another significant pathway with 158 graduates earning $36,745, often serving as preparation for health professions or graduate study. Psychology, while showing lower early-career earnings at $32,124 for 125 graduates, typically leads to careers requiring additional education or serves students entering helping professions.
The program mix reflects UMKC's urban research university mission, with strong connections to Kansas City's diverse economy spanning healthcare systems, financial services, engineering firms, and technology companies. Students benefit from internship opportunities, co-op programs, and direct employer recruitment that help translate academic preparation into career success across multiple professional fields.
Graduates of the University of Missouri-Kansas City achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution well above national averages. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $59,637, ranking in the 72nd percentile nationally among public universities. The university also delivers earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $6,244 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating UMKC's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business/Commerce stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 271 students annually with median earnings of $42,821. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the strongest individual earnings at $71,015, while Biology represents another major pathway with 158 graduates earning $36,745. Psychology, though popular with 125 graduates, shows more modest early-career earnings at $32,124, reflecting typical patterns for students who often pursue graduate education or enter helping professions.
The university's location in Kansas City provides graduates access to a diverse metropolitan job market spanning healthcare, financial services, technology, and logistics. With over 1,489 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, UMKC demonstrates consistent ability to prepare students for higher-earning career paths across multiple industries and professional fields.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, with net prices significantly below national averages. Low-income students pay approximately $9,214 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $11,602 per year. Even high-income families benefit from relatively modest net prices of $20,762, making UMKC accessible to a broad range of economic backgrounds without the premium pricing seen at many urban research universities.
Debt levels remain highly manageable for most graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $18,750, well within reasonable bounds given the institution's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,330, a moderate level that reflects families' ability to manage costs through a combination of aid, savings, and manageable borrowing. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes UMKC particularly sustainable financially is the strong relationship between what students borrow and what they ultimately earn. With median earnings approaching $60,000 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building financial stability. The combination of below-average net prices and above-average earnings creates a favorable cost-benefit equation that serves students well throughout their careers.
University Of Missouri-Kansas City Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
