University of Missouri-Kansas City's published cost of attendance reaches $24,645 annually, consisting of $11,988 in-state tuition, $12,118 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $28,788, bringing their total cost of attendance to $41,445.
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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) | $24,645 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,788 |
| Room and Board | $12,118 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,808 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,837 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,214 |
| $30–48k | $9,567 |
| $48–75k | $11,602 |
| $75–110k | $18,659 |
| $110k+ | $20,762 |
University of Missouri-Kansas City's published cost of attendance reaches $24,645 annually, consisting of $11,988 in-state tuition, $12,118 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $28,788, bringing their total cost of attendance to $41,445. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $12,837 representing $11,808 in financial aid savings.
This net price sits $1,256 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating that UMKC provides competitive affordability relative to similar public institutions. The substantial gap between sticker price and actual cost demonstrates UMKC's commitment to making education accessible through financial aid. For most families, the published cost of attendance bears little resemblance to what they will actually pay.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UMKC graduates demonstrate manageable debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Median debt reaches $18,750, which falls $2,355 below the peer median of $21,105, indicating controlled borrowing relative to similar institutions.
Debt levels span from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $26,200 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied borrowing patterns among students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 indicates that typical graduates dedicate approximately 31% of their first-year earnings to debt service, which represents a manageable burden for most career paths.
Parent PLUS loans average $17,330 with monthly payments of $228, providing additional context on family borrowing patterns. The combination of below-peer debt levels and above-peer earnings creates favorable conditions for graduates entering the workforce.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UMKC represents a strong educational investment based on the relationship between costs, debt, and earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $6,244 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 77.7th percentile for earnings uplift, while maintaining debt levels below peer institutions.
The median earnings of $59,637 exceed peer median earnings by $9,521, creating a favorable return on educational investment. Combined with the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, these metrics indicate that graduates can service their educational debt while building career momentum.
The university's affordability index ranks at the 81.9th percentile nationally, reflecting strong performance in balancing costs with outcomes. For families evaluating college options, UMKC offers a compelling combination of reasonable costs, controlled debt, and above-average career prospects.
UMKC's financial aid strategy effectively supports access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. With 25.0% Pell-eligible students, the university serves a meaningful population of lower-income students while maintaining strong outcomes.
The $11,808 average financial aid savings reduces costs substantially for most families, bringing the net price well below the sticker price. Financial aid appears concentrated toward students with the greatest need, as evidenced by the progressive net price structure across income levels.
The university's ability to maintain net prices below peer median levels while delivering above-average outcomes indicates effective financial aid management. This approach supports UMKC's institutional mission of providing accessible education with strong career preparation.
