Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Missouri State University-Springfield

Based on comparable engineering programs in Missouri, this degree appears positioned right at the state median—estimated first-year earnings around $80,000 against roughly $26,000 in debt. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would dedicate about four months of their first year's salary to paying off loans, which is manageable for an engineering credential.

The challenge here is precision. Missouri State sits between Missouri S&T and UM-Kansas City in the state's engineering hierarchy, but without actual outcomes data for this specific program, it's unclear whether it performs closer to S&T's $81,200 or UMKC's $76,000. That $5,000-9,000 range matters significantly over a career. The 91% admission rate and modest test scores suggest this program may be more accessible than Missouri's flagship engineering schools, but accessibility doesn't always correlate with weaker outcomes in technical fields where employer demand is strong.

For families evaluating this option, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—similar programs statewide produce graduates who can handle their debt load comfortably. But you're essentially betting on Missouri State's engineering program performing at the state average without confirmation it actually does. If your child has the credentials for Missouri S&T or Columbia's engineering programs, those offer documented stronger outcomes. If accessibility is the priority and engineering is the clear career path, the estimated financials here aren't alarming.