Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of Missouri-St Louis vary significantly by field of study, with engineering and business programs typically delivering the strongest earnings while education and social service programs emphasize public service pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 28 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings performance, national recognition, and student enrollment.
#152 nationally
$54K 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 earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of Missouri-St Louis.
Engineering programs at UMSL deliver the strongest earnings outcomes across the university, with Electrical Engineering graduates earning $88,063 and Computer Science graduates earning $82,631. These programs rank competitively nationally while serving moderate cohort sizes.
Best suited for students prioritizing maximum earnings potential and technical career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #152 | $88,063★ | — |
Program rankings and outcomes reflect labor market results based on federal College Scorecard data, which tracks graduates' earnings and debt levels rather than institutional reputation or academic prestige. Variations in outcomes across programs at the same institution reflect different career paths, industry demand, and typical salary ranges within each field. Engineering and business programs typically command higher starting salaries due to industry economics, while education and social service programs often emphasize public service missions over maximum earnings. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and student demand, with larger programs generally providing more peer networks and course offerings. Rankings compare programs nationally within each specific major, so a #50 ranking in Computer Science competes against all computer science programs nationwide. Data represents graduates who borrowed federal student aid and completed programs with sufficient enrollment for reliable reporting, typically requiring at least 10 graduates annually over multiple years.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| 33 |
| Computer Science. | #129 | $82,631 | — | 67 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #200 | $77,327 | — | 39 |
Business programs represent UMSL's flagship academic strength, with the general Business program ranking #13 nationally and graduating the university's largest cohort of 366 students. Accounting Technology delivers particularly strong earnings of $65,154, while Actuarial Science provides specialized preparation.
These programs consistently deliver strong value scores and career outcomes for students seeking professional preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #111 | $65,154★ | — | 114 |
| Actuarial Science. | #56 | $61,709 | — | 51 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #15 | $54,470 | $12,214 | 366 |
The Adult Health Nursing program serves as a major pathway at UMSL, graduating 197 students annually with median earnings of $64,611. While national rankings are moderate, the program provides essential healthcare workforce preparation with solid earning potential and represents one of the university's largest professional programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #202 | $64,611 | $19,000 | 197 |
Science programs show varied outcomes, with Biochemistry achieving strong national recognition at #51 nationally and graduates earning $52,427. Biology programs serve as popular pre-professional preparation with moderate earnings of $49,071.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate study continuation alongside workforce entry.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #150 | $55,947★ | — | 21 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #114 | $52,908 | — | 14 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #53 | $52,427 | — | 37 |
| Biology, General. | #215 | $49,071 | — | 72 |
Criminology stands out with exceptional national recognition at #30 nationally and #1 in Missouri, graduating 86 students who earn $45,065. Psychology serves a large student population but delivers more modest earnings of $39,445.
These programs emphasize public service and social impact alongside career preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics.Small sample | #156 | $64,281★ | — | 18 |
| Criminology. | #31 | $45,065 | — | 86 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #280 | $42,504 | — | 24 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #205 | $41,287 | — | 24 |
| Psychology, General. | #272 | $39,445 | $15,272 | 131 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #171 | $37,224 | — | 70 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #97 | $35,436 | — | 15 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $40,447 while ranking #191 nationally, serving students interested in media, marketing, and communication careers. The program provides practical preparation for diverse communication-focused roles with moderate earning potential and broad applicability across industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #197 | $40,447 | — | 94 |
Liberal arts programs like General Studies and English provide broad-based education with moderate earnings around $40,000-$41,000. These programs typically serve students seeking flexible preparation for diverse career paths or graduate study, with emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills over specialized technical training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #99 | $41,077★ | — | 33 |
| General Studies. | #134 | $40,966 | — | 97 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #200 | $40,196 | — | 39 |
| American History (United States). | #279 | $37,895 | — | 24 |
| Applied Linguistics.Small sample | #70 | $33,264 | — | 17 |
| Brass Instruments. | #119 | $32,284 | — | 20 |
Adult and Continuing Education achieves #1 state ranking while serving the university's mission of lifelong learning, with graduates earning $36,475. The program reflects UMSL's commitment to serving working adults and non-traditional students seeking professional advancement and educational credentials.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #162 | $36,475★ | $11,847 | 117 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 8 |
| Education, General. | #18 | $28,577 | — | 24 |
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.
