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Best Schools in Missouri

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2023 Best Schools in Missouri

43 Schools Ranked
$41,074 Average Earnings
$25,228 Avg Student Debt

Today's students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also there are many trade schools and bpptcamp that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Best Schools in Missouri to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 43 schools in Missouri to see which ones offered the best programs for students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Schools in Missouri

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
$61,341 Average Earnings
$18,648 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Washington University in St Louis the best school in Missouri for students working on their degree.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,648 in student loans.After graduating from WUSTL, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $61,341 during the early years of their career.

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#2

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
$46,901 Average Earnings
$21,797 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Missouri - Columbia is a great place for students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,797 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $398 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Mizzou, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,901 during the early years of their career.

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$63,979 Average Earnings
$24,872 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Missouri University of Science and Technology. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Schools in Missouri list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,872 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $336. During the early years of their career, Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates make an average of $63,979 annually.

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#4

Ranken Technical College

Saint Louis, Missouri
$42,629 Average Earnings
$16,041 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Ranken Technical College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Schools in Missouri list.

Degree recipients from Ranken Technical College accumulate an average of $16,041 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $131, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Ranken Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,629 during the early years of their career.

Full Ranken Technical College Report

#5

Stephens College

Columbia, Missouri
$36,583 Average Earnings
$42,396 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Stephens College is a great place for students.

On average, students take out $42,396 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $213.After graduating from Stephens, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,583 during the early years of their career.

Full Stephens College Report

$40,267 Average Earnings
$15,233 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Missouri ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,233 in student loans.After graduating from MCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,267 during the early years of their career.

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#7

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
$51,202 Average Earnings
$25,051 Avg Student Debt

Saint Louis University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,051 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $511. Once they receive their degree, SLU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,202 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Saint Louis University

#8

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
$59,828 Average Earnings
$25,584 Avg Student Debt

Maryville University of Saint Louis ranked #8 on this year’s Best Schools in Missouri list.

On average, students take out $25,584 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $452 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Maryville U graduates make an average of $59,828 annually.

Full Maryville University of Saint Louis Report

#9

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
$40,927 Average Earnings
$31,707 Avg Student Debt

Columbia College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Schools in Missouri list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,707 in student loans.After graduating from Columbia College Missouri, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,927 during the early years of their career.

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#10

Truman State University

Kirksville, Missouri
$35,772 Average Earnings
$20,434 Avg Student Debt

Truman State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #10 on the list.

Degree recipients from Truman State accumulate an average of $20,434 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Truman State graduates make an average of $35,772 annually.

Read full report on Truman State University

$39,784 Average Earnings
$25,044 Avg Student Debt

Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,044 in student loans.After graduating from CMU CGES, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,784 during the early years of their career.

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#12

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri
$46,369 Average Earnings
$24,017 Avg Student Debt

Rockhurst University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #12 on the list.

On average, students take out $24,017 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $294 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Rockhurst, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,369 during the early years of their career.

Full Rockhurst University Report

$39,731 Average Earnings
$13,627 Avg Student Debt

State Technical College of Missouri did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #13 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,627 in student loans. During the early years of their career, STC graduates make an average of $39,731 annually.

Read full report on State Technical College of Missouri

#14

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
$46,849 Average Earnings
$24,858 Avg Student Debt

Park University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

On average, students take out $24,858 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Park University graduates make an average of $46,849 annually.

Full Park University Report

#15

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri
$50,709 Average Earnings
$24,185 Avg Student Debt

Webster University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Schools in Missouri list.

On average, students take out $24,185 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Webster, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,709 during the early years of their career.

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#16

State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri
$41,167 Average Earnings
$17,830 Avg Student Debt

State Fair Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best programs.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,830 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, State Fair Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,167 during the early year of their career.

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#17

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
$45,753 Average Earnings
$27,595 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - St Louis came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Missouri ranking.

Degree recipients from UMSL accumulate an average of $27,595 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $120.After graduating from UMSL, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,753 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Missouri - St Louis

#18

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
$57,524 Average Earnings
$27,022 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Kansas City came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Schools in Missouri ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,022 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $184.After graduating from UMKC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,524 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Missouri - Kansas City

#19

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri
$37,439 Average Earnings
$23,189 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Missouri State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #19 on the list.

Degree recipients from Northwest accumulate an average of $23,189 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $200 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Northwest graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,439 during the early year of their career.

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#20

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri
$41,243 Average Earnings
$30,304 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Lindenwood University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,304 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $202 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Lindenwood University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,243 during the early year of their career.

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#21

Saint Louis Community College

Saint Louis, Missouri
$33,950 Average Earnings
$14,429 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Saint Louis Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

Degree recipients from Saint Louis Community College accumulate an average of $14,429 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Saint Louis Community College graduates make an average of $33,950 annually.

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#22

Missouri State University - Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
$40,472 Average Earnings
$25,043 Avg Student Debt

Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students. It came in at #22 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,043 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $168. Once they receive their degree, Missouri State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,472 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Missouri State University - Springfield

#23

St Charles Community College

Cottleville, Missouri
$34,388 Average Earnings
$17,289 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, St Charles Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,289 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, SCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,388 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on St Charles Community College

#24

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, Missouri
$37,846 Average Earnings
$15,931 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Jefferson College did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,931 in student loans. During the early years of their career, JeffCo graduates make an average of $37,846 annually.

Full Jefferson College Report

#25

Fontbonne University

Saint Louis, Missouri
$41,807 Average Earnings
$26,822 Avg Student Debt

Fontbonne University ranked #25 on this year’s Best Schools in Missouri list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,822 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Fontbonne University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,807 during the early year of their career.

Full Fontbonne University Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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