Location: Springfield, MO•In-State Tuition: $9,024•Out-of-State Tuition: $17,928•Admission Rate: 91%•Avg SAT: 1119
Median Earnings (1yr)
$63,175
5th percentile
Median Debt
$21,166
18% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.34 ManageableSample: 38 graduates

Analysis

Missouri State's computer science certificate program sits at an interesting crossroads: it underperforms nationally but actually represents the median outcome for Missouri. With first-year earnings of $63,175 and manageable debt of $21,166, graduates face a reasonable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, the national comparison reveals the limitation—typical computer science certificate programs nationwide produce $77,000 in first-year earnings, nearly $14,000 more.

The state context matters here because Missouri has only three schools offering this credential, and this program ranks squarely in the middle at the 60th percentile. If your child plans to stay in Missouri for in-state tuition and job opportunities, this outcome may simply reflect the regional tech market rather than program weakness. The debt level is actually quite reasonable—below the national median—which keeps the financial risk contained even with the lower earnings.

For families considering this certificate as a quick entry into tech, the fundamentals work: debt stays under one-third of first-year earnings, and graduates clear $60,000 right away. But if your child has the option to pursue a similar credential in a stronger tech market or at a program with more robust industry connections, the $14,000 national earnings gap suggests that would be worth exploring. This is a functional credential, not an exceptional one.

Where Missouri State University-Springfield Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer science certificate's programs nationally

Missouri State University-SpringfieldOther computer science programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How Missouri State University-Springfield graduates compare to all programs nationally

Missouri State University-Springfield earns $63k — 5th percentile among computer science certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Science certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield$9,024$63,175—$21,1660.34
Saint Martin's UniversityLacey$44,210$91,138—$14,6670.16
National Median—$77,156—$17,9160.23

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 State University-Springfield, approximately 21% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.