Location: Joplin, MO•In-State Tuition: $8,400•Out-of-State Tuition: $16,800•Admission Rate: 97%•Avg SAT: 1090
Median Earnings (1yr)Small sample
$29,309
76th percentile
60th percentile in Missouri
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$27,000
Est. from MO median (7 programs)
Sample: 20 graduates Limited data

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Where Missouri Southern State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally

Missouri Southern State University (estimated ±10%)Other fine and studio arts programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Missouri Southern State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Missouri Southern State University earns $29k — 76th percentile among fine and studio arts bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (32 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin$8,400$29,309—$27,000*—
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis$13,440$32,224$41,077$28,837*0.89
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau$9,496$28,421$32,018$19,000*0.67
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg$9,739$27,236$25,597$28,000*1.03
University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City$11,988$25,476$41,917$25,500*1.00
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield$9,024$24,024$26,692$27,750*1.16
National Median—$24,742—$25,295*1.02
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Craft Artists

Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers

Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.

$49,140/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Gem and Diamond Workers

Fabricate, finish, or evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds used in jewelry or industrial tools.

$49,140/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Explore Related Programs

Fine and Studio Arts in Missouri

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About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Missouri Southern State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.