Compare 10 Computer Science. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $74,052.
With top graduates earning $99,517, Computer Science stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $28K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Washington University In St Louis's Computer Science program leads with graduates earning $99,517, well above the $71,831 state average. But Missouri State University-Springfield follows closely at $84,895 with 91% acceptance—demonstrating that accessible programs can deliver strong outcomes when evaluated on their own merits.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Washington University graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 3.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Missouri State achieves similar excellence with a 4.8% burden, proving top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $99,517
Strong outcomes with 91% acceptance
3.1% payment burden | Excellent - payment under 8% of discretionary
8.4% family burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $99,517 | 180 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Good | |
| #2 | $84,895 | 62 | $21,992 | Excellent | $15,092 | Good | |
| #3 | $83,123 | 69 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,000 | Good | |
| #4 | $82,631 | 67 | $20,000 | Excellent | $15,027 | Good | |
| #5 | $81,653 | 95 | $18,750 | Excellent | $18,462 | Good | |
| #6 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $79,651 | 27 | $23,000 | Excellent | $13,587 | Good |
| #7 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $69,849 | 19 | $25,000 | Excellent | $34,177 | Challenging |
| #8 | Southwest Baptist UniversityPrivate | $61,516 | 11 | $20,957 | Excellent | $17,747 | Manageable |
| #9 | College Of The OzarksPrivate | $58,673 | 7 | — | — | — | — |
| #10 | Columbia CollegePrivate | $39,009 | 15 | $23,879 | Challenging | $10,000 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
