University of Missouri-Columbia publishes a cost of attendance of $28,948 annually, including $14,130 in-state tuition, $13,550 for room and board, and $950 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition reaching $34,338.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $31,713 |
| Tuition and Fees | $36,056 |
| Room and Board | $13,700 |
| Books and Supplies | $950 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,445 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,268 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,841 |
| $30–48k | $13,378 |
| $48–75k | $13,722 |
| $75–110k | $19,762 |
| $110k+ | $26,304 |
University of Missouri-Columbia publishes a cost of attendance of $28,948 annually, including $14,130 in-state tuition, $13,550 for room and board, and $950 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition reaching $34,338. However, the average student pays substantially less after financial aid, with net costs averaging $19,889 across all income levels.
Financial aid reduces the published cost by $9,059 on average, making education more accessible than sticker prices suggest. Compared to peer institutions, University of Missouri-Columbia charges net prices $4,299 below the peer median of $15,590, representing favorable affordability positioning within the public research university landscape. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $13,599 for the lowest-income students to $24,637 for the highest-income families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Missouri-Columbia graduates carry median debt of $20,500, identical to the peer median, indicating typical borrowing patterns for public research universities. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in individual borrowing decisions and financial circumstances.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 represents manageable levels relative to post-graduation income, with annual debt service representing roughly one-third of first-year earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $25,000 with monthly payments of $329, adding family debt burden beyond student loans.
The combination of moderate student debt levels with solid earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. Graduates face debt service requirements that align with typical earning levels, avoiding excessive borrowing that could compromise long-term financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Missouri-Columbia delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of reasonable costs and above-average earnings outcomes. While graduates earn $5,793 below expectations relative to student demographics, absolute earnings of $63,403 rank at the 78th percentile nationally and exceed peer medians by $2,860.
Moderate debt levels at $20,500 create manageable repayment obligations relative to earning potential, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates. Net prices averaging $4,299 below peer institutions provide favorable upfront affordability, particularly for Missouri residents accessing in-state tuition rates.
The university's strong mobility index performance at the 93.2nd percentile indicates effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement despite modest value-added outcomes. Return on investment benefits from the combination of accessible costs, reasonable debt levels, and solid absolute earnings, creating favorable conditions for career and financial success even if outcomes fall slightly short of expectations based on student characteristics.
University of Missouri-Columbia enrolls 20.1% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate representation of lower-income families within the student body. The substantial gap between published costs ($28,948) and average net price ($19,889) reflects comprehensive financial aid programming that reduces costs by $9,059 annually.
Progressive net pricing by income demonstrates need-based aid effectiveness, with the lowest-income students receiving the most substantial cost reductions. The university's aid strategy successfully makes research university education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds, though Pell enrollment suggests moderate rather than exceptional low-income access.
Financial aid concentrates support toward lower-income families while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to published rates, creating sustainable funding for need-based assistance while maintaining educational quality and resources.
