Compare 13 General Studies. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $42,077.
General Studies programs produce graduates earning between $24,035 and $59,142—a $35K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 13 ranked programs in Missouri, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
William Jewell College's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $59,142, well above the state average of $42,077. The data reveals significant variation—Columbia College graduates earn $49,234 despite having a much larger cohort of 377 students, while Saint Louis University trails at $48,829 despite its broader recognition.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. William Jewell College graduates borrow $24,498 and face just a 9.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. For families considering parent loans, Columbia College leads with an 18.2% family burden, though both options remain manageable for most graduates.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | William Jewell CollegePrivate | $59,142 | 23 | $24,498 | Good | $25,539 | Challenging |
| #2 | Columbia CollegePrivate | $49,234 | 377 | $23,879 | Manageable | $10,000 | Challenging |
| #3 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $48,829 | 16 | $25,000 | Manageable | $34,177 | High |
| #4 | $48,355 | 151 | $18,750 | Good | $18,462 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $47,666 | 100 | $20,500 | Good | $32,529 | High | |
| #6 | $42,749 | 86 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,000 | High | |
| #7 | $40,966 | 97 | $20,000 | Manageable | $15,027 | High | |
| #8 | $40,773 | 172 | $21,500 | Manageable | $15,000 | High | |
| #9 | Lincoln UniversityPublic | $37,489 | 12 | $28,875 | High | $14,000 | High |
| #10 | $36,370 | 79 | $19,174 | Challenging | $10,400 | High | |
| #11 | Drury UniversityPrivate | $35,793 | 9 | $20,979 | Challenging | $26,668 | High |
| #12 | Missouri Baptist UniversityPrivate | $35,595 | 19 | $22,500 | Challenging | $17,265 | High |
| #13 | $24,035 | 90 | $21,992 | High | $15,092 | 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 →
