Analysis
Missouri Valley's finance program appears positioned right at the state median, with peer programs suggesting around $50,000 in first-year earnings and roughly $20,000 in debt. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio is solid—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold—meaning graduates from comparable Missouri finance programs typically earn more than twice what they borrowed.
The challenge is context. Similar programs across Missouri show enormous variance, from Washington University grads earning over $100,000 to regional schools clustering around $50,000. With a 1018 average SAT and 53% admission rate, Missouri Valley sits firmly in the middle tier, so the median outcome makes sense. But finance is a field where school prestige, internship networks, and location matter tremendously. Kansas City and St. Louis drive Missouri's financial sector, and Marshall is neither.
For families, this translates to manageable debt with reasonable early earnings—if your student lands a finance role. The real question is whether Missouri Valley provides the recruiting connections and career placement needed to compete with graduates from larger Missouri schools like Mizzou or Missouri State, which produce similar earnings at comparable debt levels but likely offer stronger alumni networks in major markets.
Where Missouri Valley College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,000 | $49,785* | — | $20,259* | — | |
| $62,982 | $102,814* | $152,625 | $19,250* | 0.19 | |
| $53,244 | $60,055* | — | $21,268* | 0.35 | |
| $24,326 | $56,104* | $55,909 | $18,980* | 0.34 | |
| $9,024 | $50,486* | $68,206 | $24,750* | 0.49 | |
| $9,739 | $49,785* | $54,933 | $22,989* | 0.46 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 Valley College, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.