Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Missouri-Kansas City vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and technology programs typically delivering the highest earnings while liberal arts and education programs focus on different career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal data, not institutional reputation or program prestige.
Analyzing 27 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate exceptional performance across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment scale at UMKC.
#122 nationally
$64K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by median earnings, national and state rankings, cohort size, and value score performance.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Missouri-Kansas City.
Engineering programs at UMKC deliver exceptional career outcomes with graduates consistently earning above $80,000 annually. Electrical and Electronics Engineering ($84,832) and Mechanical Engineering ($84,088) rank competitively nationally, while Computer Science ($81,653) demonstrates strong technology sector placement.
These programs represent the highest-earning pathways at the university, making them ideal for students prioritizing immediate post-graduation earning potential and career growth in technical fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #122 | $97,043 |
Program outcomes reflect actual post-graduation employment data from the Department of Education's College Scorecard, based on graduates who received federal financial aid. Rankings compare programs nationally within each specific major, not across different fields, explaining why lower-earning programs can achieve high rankings within their disciplines. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels relative to program-specific expectations, helping identify strong return-on-investment options within each field. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates in the federal dataset and provide context for data reliability. These outcomes reflect labor market conditions and career paths typical for each field rather than institutional program quality, helping students understand earning expectations and compare options based on career goals.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 91 |
| Mechanical Engineering | #193 | $90,588 | — | 36 |
| Civil Engineering, General | #100 | $85,055 | — | 31 |
| Artificial IntelligenceSmall sample | #202 | $76,216 | — | 12 |
Business programs show strong performance with significant enrollment scale and solid career outcomes. Business/Commerce General ranks #22 nationally with 271 graduates earning $53,997, representing the university's largest and most successful program.
Accounting Technology produces higher earnings at $65,509 with strong national rankings. These programs balance accessibility with professional preparation, serving students seeking practical business skills and career flexibility.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping | #171 | $73,096★ | — | 89 |
| Business/Commerce, General | #23 | $63,569 | $15,183 | 237 |
Health professions programs show varied outcomes reflecting different career paths within healthcare. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $67,613 with strong job market prospects, though ranking #222 nationally indicates competitive field dynamics.
Health Services General provides broader preparation with earnings of $46,821. These programs appeal to students committed to healthcare careers with patient service focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing | #180 | $88,249★ | — | 80 |
| Dental Assisting/Assistant | #31 | $64,838 | — | 30 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | #37 | $58,973 | $16,482 | 60 |
Science programs at UMKC demonstrate competitive outcomes with Biology General ranking #1 in Missouri and #84 nationally, graduating 158 students with median earnings of $53,097. Analytical Chemistry shows strong performance with earnings of $47,533 and ranks #1 in Missouri.
These programs serve students planning graduate study or direct entry into scientific careers, offering solid preparation for both pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry | #64 | $60,950★ | — | 76 |
| Biology, General | #124 | $59,183 | $13,835 | 163 |
Social science programs demonstrate solid outcomes with American Government and Politics ranking #85 nationally and producing graduates earning $56,070. Psychology General shows lower earnings at $40,514 but serves 125 graduates annually, reflecting student demand.
These programs suit students interested in public service, research, or graduate school preparation in social sciences.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States) | #242 | $51,417★ | — | 31 |
| Applied/Public SociologySmall sample | #211 | $49,936 | — | 12 |
| Psychology, General | #243 | $47,928 | $16,335 | 104 |
| Applied EconomicsSmall sample | — | $47,260 | — | 16 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates 92 students annually with median earnings of $45,505, ranking #133 nationally and #2 in Missouri. The program shows moderate outcomes reflecting the diverse career paths available in media and communications fields.
This program suits students interested in media, marketing, and communication careers across various industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other | #205 | $49,135 | $16,574 | 65 |
Liberal arts programs focus on broad intellectual development with General Studies ranking #1 in Missouri and #40 nationally. With 151 graduates earning $48,355, this program demonstrates UMKC's strength in flexible degree completion.
The high value score of 78.5 indicates strong return relative to cost. These programs serve students seeking broad educational foundation and career flexibility.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General | #54 | $56,584★ | — | 38 |
| General Studies | #99 | $52,117 | — | 120 |
| American History (United States) | #143 | $49,096 | — | 26 |
| Brass Instruments | #90 | $42,708 | — | 32 |
| Art History, Criticism and ConservationSmall sample | #190 | $39,194 | — | 19 |
| BalletSmall sample | #33 | $28,834 | — | 17 |
| Applied LinguisticsSmall sample | — | $26,933 | — | 16 |
| Applied and Professional EthicsSmall sample | — | $25,194 | — | 9 |
Education programs reflect the public service nature of teaching careers, with Adult and Continuing Education graduating 52 students who earn $39,751. Rankings at #182 nationally indicate the competitive landscape for education programs.
These programs attract students committed to educational service and community impact, with earnings reflecting public sector employment patterns typical in education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching | #222 | $41,228★ | — | 45 |
| Agricultural Teacher EducationSmall sample | — | $35,772 | — | 9 |
Environmental Science leads agriculture & environment with 33K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental ScienceSmall sample | — | $32,711 | — | 15 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
