Analysis
Missouri Southern State University's Health Professions program punches well above its weight class. With first-year earnings of $52,539—37% higher than the national median—graduates are out-earning peers at three-quarters of comparable programs nationwide. The relatively modest debt of $21,463 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.41, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans within a year of focused repayment. For a school with a 97% admission rate, these outcomes are exceptional.
Within Missouri, this program sits at the median for earnings, which actually reinforces its value: the state has only six Health Professions programs, and Missouri Southern matches the state's typical performance at a fraction of what you'd pay at more selective institutions. The earnings plateau between year one and year four suggests graduates quickly reach stable career positions, likely in healthcare support or clinical roles that offer immediate, solid compensation rather than steep advancement curves.
The data here is reliable—over 100 graduates tracked—and the fundamentals are sound. Your child would enter a broad healthcare field with strong immediate earnings potential and manageable debt. If they're seeking healthcare career flexibility without the extended schooling of nursing or pre-med tracks, this represents a practical, affordable path that delivers results from day one.
Where Missouri Southern State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Missouri Southern State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Southern State University | $52,539 | $53,183 | +1% |
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $36,819 | $70,368 | +91% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $47,570 | $69,530 | +46% |
| Thomas Edison State University | $72,628 | $68,341 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health Professions bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin | $8,400 | $52,539 | $53,183 | $21,463 | 0.41 |
 Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton | $6,638 | $72,628 | $68,341 | $19,018 | 0.26 |
 Kettering CollegeKettering | $15,672 | $70,890 | $58,053 | $37,613 | 0.53 |
 Saint Joseph's University - LancasterLancaster | $31,866 | $70,566 | — | $27,801 | 0.39 |
 University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington | $7,317 | $56,924 | $64,596 | $24,990 | 0.44 |
 Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown | $10,791 | $56,793 | $57,659 | $29,750 | 0.52 |
| National Median | — | $38,492 | — | $26,000 | 0.68 |
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 104 graduates with reported earnings and 119 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.