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.
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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) | $27,442 |
| Tuition and Fees | $33,432 |
| Room and Board | $13,104 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$15,119 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,323 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,019 |
| $30–48k | $9,080 |
| $48–75k | $12,980 |
| $75–110k | $19,284 |
| $110k+ | $18,260 |
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.
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-St Louis graduates carry median debt of $20,000, positioning just $1,105 below the peer median of $21,105 and demonstrating well-controlled borrowing levels. Debt spans from $8,000 at the 25th percentile to $27,875 at the 75th percentile, indicating significant variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 reflects manageable debt relative to median earnings of $53,037, suggesting sustainable repayment prospects for most graduates. Parent PLUS loans average $14,900 with monthly payments of $196, representing additional family borrowing beyond student debt levels.
The combination of controlled student debt and modest parent borrowing creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. Debt levels rank at the 70th percentile nationally, indicating above-average borrowing compared to all institutions but remaining within reasonable bounds relative to earnings outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Missouri-St Louis demonstrates solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and consistent earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $2,484 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 66th percentile nationally and achieving above average tier performance in value creation.
Median earnings of $53,037 exceed peer median earnings by $2,921, indicating stronger post-graduation outcomes than similar institutions. The favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests that educational borrowing remains proportional to earning capacity, supporting long-term financial health.
Net costs $1,770 below peer medians combined with above-peer earnings create positive investment conditions for students. The university ranks among the top 50 institutions nationally for earnings beyond expectations, demonstrating measurable value addition relative to student characteristics and program mix.
University of Missouri-St Louis enrolls 17.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate representation of the lowest-income student populations compared to typical public universities. The substantial gap between the $27,442 cost of attendance and $12,323 average net price reflects comprehensive financial aid programs that reduce costs for most families.
Aid distribution strongly favors lower-income students, with families earning under $48,000 paying between $9,080 and $10,019 annually. The progressive aid structure indicates institutional commitment to access while requiring higher-income families to contribute more substantially.
Financial aid effectiveness results in net costs $1,770 below peer medians, suggesting competitive aid packaging compared to similar institutions. The aid profile supports the university's mission as a regional public institution serving diverse economic backgrounds, though the moderate Pell share suggests somewhat limited reach to the lowest-income student populations compared to community-focused public universities.
