Business/Commerce at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's business program lands graduates in the bottom quarter nationally, earning $43,364 in their first year—about $4,000 below the national median and roughly $4,300 below Missouri's state median. Within Missouri, this program ranks at the 40th percentile, trailing not just the flagship university in Columbia but also regional competitors like UMKC, UMSL, and even Lindenwood. For a program with 91% admission rate and moderate debt ($26,000), these earnings create a manageable but unimpressive financial picture with a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The modest 8% earnings growth over four years offers little indication that graduates catch up to their peers over time. By year four, they're earning $46,891—still below where many comparable programs start. The debt level itself is exactly at the national median, so the issue isn't excessive borrowing; it's that earnings don't match up to justify even typical student loan obligations compared to other Missouri options.

If your child is committed to staying in Springfield or has received significant merit aid that reduces the actual cost, this could work. But families paying full freight should recognize they're getting below-average outcomes for average debt in a state with notably stronger business programs at similar price points. The flagship in Columbia delivers $12,600 more in starting salary—a difference that compounds significantly over a career.