Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $62,273, but the trajectory raises questions—graduates actually earn less four years later ($57,652). While this 7% decline could reflect local market conditions in the Joplin area or graduates shifting to part-time work, it's still unusual in a field where experience typically increases earning power. The program ranks in the 40th percentile among Missouri nursing schools, placing it squarely in the bottom half of state options, with top Missouri programs like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Research College of Nursing ($75,705) delivering substantially higher returns.

The debt load of $25,774 is manageable—graduates could theoretically pay it off in about five months of their starting salary—and slightly below the state median. However, when you're already looking at below-average earnings that decline rather than grow, even reasonable debt becomes less attractive. The 97% admission rate suggests this program is accessible, which matters for students who need a nursing degree to launch their career, but you're trading accessibility for earning potential.

For in-state students who want to stay near the Joplin region and need an open-access option, this works as a path into nursing. But families should know they're choosing convenience and accessibility over earnings—there are clearly stronger nursing programs elsewhere in Missouri that better position graduates for career growth.