Compare 9 Economics. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $61,885.
The highest-earning Economics program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $34K earnings gap across 9 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Washington University In St Louis's Economics program leads with graduates earning $80,729. The average across Missouri programs is $61,885, yet Missouri University Of Science And Technology ($69,338) and Missouri State University-Springfield ($65,293) demonstrate that strong outcomes aren't limited to highly selective institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story — debt burden matters. Washington University In St Louis graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 4.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $80,729
Strong outcomes with 73% acceptance
4.1% payment burden | Excellent
10.8% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $80,729 | 116 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Good | |
| #2 | $69,338 | 9 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $65,293 | 35 | $21,992 | Excellent | $15,092 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $64,281 | 18 | $20,000 | Excellent | $15,027 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Rockhurst UniversityPrivate | $63,069 | 9 | $18,250 | Excellent | $26,074 | Manageable |
| #6 | $61,213 | 81 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $59,303 | 18 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,000 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $47,260 | 16 | $18,750 | Good | $18,462 | Challenging | |
| #9 | Truman State UniversityPublic | $46,478 | 15 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,503 | Challenging |
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 →
