2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Missouri
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Missouri? This list ranks 140 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 43 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Missouri
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat State Fair Community College this year in Missouri. Based in Sedalia, MO, State Fair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,176, while out-of-state students pay about $7,416. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,328. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,562. That is a strong return on a $15,328 median debt. Read the full report on State Fair Community College
Out of the 43 schools in Missouri in this year's value ranking, Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #2 spot. Located in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,256 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,866. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,455. That is a strong return on a $15,866 median debt. More on Ozarks Technical Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at St Charles Community College earned it the #3 place in Missouri. This public school is set in Cottleville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,810, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Graduates carry a median of $12,606 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,422 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full St Charles Community College profile
A rank of #4 makes Saint Louis Community College one of the best values in Missouri. Located in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,424. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Louis Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Metropolitan Community College Kansas City, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Graduates carry a median of $12,281 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,796 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,281 median debt. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #6 spot for value in Missouri this year. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies profile
Crowder College placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Located in Neosho, MO, Crowder College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,104, while out-of-state students pay about $5,784. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,887. Median earnings reach $35,987 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,887 median debt. More on Crowder College
Linn State Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Linn State Technical College is a public school based in Linn, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, with out-of-state students paying around $14,610. Graduates carry a median of $11,042 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,901 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,042 median debt. Get the full Linn State Technical College report
Jefferson College placed #9 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Based in Hillsboro, MO, Jefferson College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. Graduates carry a median of $13,664 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,782 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Jefferson College
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Park University
Truman State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Students borrow a median of $23,168 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Truman State University
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #12 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,818. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #13 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Northwest Missouri State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Missouri State University Springfield placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Missouri University Of Science And Technology Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,187 in debt. Missouri University Of Science And Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,957 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri University Of Science And Technology has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $23,289. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southeast Missouri State University profile
Columbia College Missouri placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,276. Columbia College Missouri Science & Tech students take on a median of $29,213 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,378 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Columbia College Missouri
Missouri Southern State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $22,241 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,620. That is a strong return on a $22,241 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri Southern State University profile
Missouri Western State University placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Based in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Missouri Western State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,362 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,647 ten years out. Set against $24,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Missouri Western State University profile
William Woods University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,340. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,401 ten years out. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about William Woods University
University Of Central Missouri ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Graduates carry a median of $24,304 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Central Missouri report
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff landed the #22 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,830 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,060. Students borrow a median of $11,350 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $32,442 ten years out. Set against $11,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff profile
Stephens College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. The median Science & Tech program debt is $33,326. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,071. That is a strong return on a $33,326 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Stephens College
University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $13,371, while out-of-state students pay about $32,271. Graduates carry a median of $23,741 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,637 ten years after entry. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Kansas City has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Missouri Kansas City report
University Of Missouri St Louis ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,943. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Missouri St Louis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Missouri
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Ranken Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Ranken Technical College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,008. Graduates carry a median of $13,989 in student loans. Ranken Technical College alumni report median earnings of $55,955 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,989 median debt. Read the full report on Ranken Technical College
Southwest Baptist University placed #27 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Set in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Graduates carry a median of $24,436 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Southwest Baptist University
Lincoln University Missouri placed #28 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Jefferson City, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,796, while out-of-state students pay about $17,692. Lincoln University Missouri Science & Tech students take on a median of $32,831 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,463. That is a strong return on a $32,831 median debt. More on Lincoln University Missouri
Webster University placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Webster University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,876. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Webster University report
Lindenwood University landed the #30 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $28,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Avila University placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Students from in state pay about $40,200 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Avila University
Maryville University Of Saint Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,166. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Evangel University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,548 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,876. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,573. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Evangel University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Evangel University
Missouri Baptist University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,122. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,660 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri Baptist University report
Fontbonne University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,976. Graduates carry a median of $33,503 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,825 ten years after entry. Set against $33,503 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Fontbonne University
Rockhurst University landed the #36 spot for value in Missouri this year. Set in Kansas City, MO, Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,966. Graduates carry a median of $24,111 in student loans. Rockhurst University alumni report median earnings of $67,102 a decade after entry. Set against $24,111 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rockhurst University
Drury University landed the #37 spot for value in Missouri this year. Drury University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,745. Drury University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,641 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,694 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,641 median debt. Drury University admits about 58% of applicants. More on Drury University
Culver Stockton College landed the #38 spot for value in Missouri this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Canton, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,875. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $27,252. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,092. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Culver Stockton College has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Culver Stockton College report
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in Missouri this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Hannibal Lagrange College landed the #40 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Hannibal, MO, Hannibal Lagrange College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,880. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,705. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,643. Set against $21,705 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hannibal Lagrange College admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Hannibal Lagrange College
Bryan University Springfield landed the #41 spot for value in Missouri this year. Bryan University Springfield is a private for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,868. Students borrow a median of $24,421 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Bryan University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $28,725 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bryan University Springfield profile
Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences landed the #42 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,620. Students borrow a median of $24,633 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,633 median debt. Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences report
Washington University In St Louis placed #43 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. The median Science & Tech program debt is $17,553. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,182. Set against $17,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
Aquinas Institute Of Theology ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full Aquinas Institute Of Theology profile
Missouri Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. More on Missouri Valley College
Cox College
Cox College placed #46 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. Read more about Cox College
Four Rivers Career Center ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read more about Four Rivers Career Center
Baptist Bible College placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Missouri. More on Baptist Bible College
Neosho Beauty College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Neosho Beauty College report
Franklin Technology Mssu came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Franklin Technology Mssu profile
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 43 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 140 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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