University Of Missouri-St Louis

University of Missouri-St Louis admits 57.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UMSL in the moderately selective category, with acceptance rates between 50-75%.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% demonstrates that UMSL maintains more competitive admission standards than typical public universities of similar size and mission. The university's selectivity reflects its position as a regional comprehensive university that balances accessibility with academic standards.

For prospective applicants, this selectivity level means that solid academic preparation is important, but admission is achievable for students with above-average high school performance. Students should present competitive academic credentials but can approach UMSL as a realistic option rather than a reach school.

The university's transfer-friendly policies contribute to its accessibility, with 69.9% of enrolled students having transferred from other institutions. This suggests that students who may not gain direct admission from high school have alternative pathways through community colleges or other four-year institutions.

When building college lists, students should treat UMSL as a target school if their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles, while also considering backup options with higher acceptance rates.

University of Missouri-St Louis maintains a total cost of attendance of $27,442 annually, consisting of $33,432 in out-of-state tuition (or $13,440 for Missouri residents), $13,104 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $12,323 representing $15,119 in financial aid savings from the published price.

This net price falls $1,770 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating more affordable costs compared to similar public universities. The university's affordability index ranks at the 82nd percentile nationally with well above average tier performance, reflecting controlled costs and effective aid distribution.

Financial aid targeting results in progressive pricing across income levels, with the lowest-income families paying substantially less than higher-income families. The combination of moderate sticker prices, meaningful aid, and below-peer net costs positions UMSL as an accessible public university option that prioritizes cost control while maintaining educational quality.

University of Missouri-St Louis graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career years. Median earnings rise from $47,564 six years after enrollment to $51,418 at eight years and $53,037 at ten years, representing 11.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohort sizes of 3,300 to 3,746 graduates across measurement periods, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $2,484 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing UMSL in the 66th percentile for earnings uplift and achieving above average tier performance.

Low-income graduates earn $46,700, demonstrating consistent outcomes regardless of family economic background. Earnings span from $34,118 at the 25th percentile to $78,222 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.3:1 ratio that indicates meaningful variation across programs and career trajectories.

Approximately 23% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study based on program mix analysis, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways. The university's earnings performance places it around the national average while delivering measurable value relative to student characteristics.

University of Missouri-St Louis offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Business/Commerce ranks #13 nationally and #2 in Missouri, representing the university's largest program with 366 graduates earning median salaries of $54,470.

The program achieves an exceptional value score of 81.5, indicating strong return on investment. Adult Health Nursing ranks as a flagship program, graduating 197 students with median earnings of $64,611 though ranking #196 nationally.

Computer Science graduates 67 students annually with strong median earnings of $82,631, ranking #128 nationally and #2 in Missouri. Criminology stands out with a #30 national ranking and #1 state ranking, graduating 86 students who earn $45,065.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology achieves the #51 national ranking with graduates earning $52,427. The university's program portfolio spans business, healthcare, STEM fields, and liberal arts, with business and professional programs generally delivering the strongest earnings outcomes and national rankings.