Computer and Information Sciences at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's computer science graduates earn roughly $13,000 less than their peers at other Missouri schools—ranking in just the 25th percentile statewide. That's a significant gap in a field where strong earnings are typically the main draw. With first-year earnings of $49,746, these graduates trail not only flagship competitors like Mizzou ($72,886) but also smaller state schools like Northwest Missouri State ($65,444). The national picture is equally sobering: this program sits in the 21st percentile for graduate earnings among computer science degrees.

The debt load of $25,471 is actually reasonable—right at the national median for the field. The problem is the earnings don't match up to what you'd expect from a computer science degree. While a 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, it reflects weaker starting salaries rather than truly affordable debt. In a state where the median CS graduate earns $62,910, Missouri State grads are leaving $13,000 on the table annually.

For families who can access one of Missouri's stronger computer science programs without significantly higher costs, those alternatives would likely pay dividends quickly. If Missouri State is the most accessible or affordable option, just know your child will likely start their career at a meaningful earnings disadvantage compared to peers from other state schools—a gap that could total six figures over a decade.