Compare 12 Public Finance. programs in Missouri. Average earnings: $64,608.
Public Finance programs produce graduates earning between $39,741 and $152,625—a $113K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 12 ranked programs in Missouri, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Washington University In St Louis's Public Finance program leads with graduates earning $152,625. But the story isn't about prestige—it's about the variation. The average across all programs is $64,608, yet Missouri State University-Springfield ($68,206) outperforms most while maintaining a 91% acceptance rate.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Washington University graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 1.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Missouri State offers a 6.6% student burden, also rated 'Excellent'—proof that multiple programs deliver affordable outcomes despite vastly different earnings.
Highest program earnings: $152,625
Strong outcomes ($68,206) with 91% acceptance
1.8% payment burden | Excellent
4.8% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $152,625 | 160 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $68,206 | 154 | $21,992 | Excellent | $15,092 | Good | |
| #3 | $62,357 | 46 | $21,500 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Drury UniversityPrivate | $62,133 | 18 | $20,979 | Excellent | $26,668 | Manageable |
| #5 | $60,503 | 26 | $21,500 | Excellent | $15,803 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Saint Louis UniversityPrivate | $60,055 | 52 | $25,000 | Good | $34,177 | Challenging |
| #7 | Lindenwood UniversityPrivate | $55,938 | 45 | $26,000 | Good | $18,445 | Challenging |
| #8 | Columbia CollegePrivate | $55,909 | 49 | $23,879 | Good | $10,000 | Manageable |
| #9 | $55,637 | 13 | $22,000 | Good | $18,781 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $54,933 | 27 | $21,000 | Good | $14,000 | Manageable | |
| #11 | Webster UniversityPrivate | $47,260 | 12 | $23,000 | Manageable | $13,587 | Challenging |
| #12 | $39,741 | 19 | $19,968 | Manageable | $11,334 | 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 →
