Computer and Information Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University's Computer and Information Sciences program sits below the middle of the pack among Missouri tech programs, with first-year earnings of $58,964 trailing the state median by nearly $4,000. At 40th percentile statewide, this puts it well behind Missouri S&T ($76,869) and even regional competitors like Northwest Missouri State ($65,444). The debt load of $22,948 is reasonable—lower than both state and national medians—giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. That's the program's strongest selling point in an otherwise underwhelming financial picture.

The 30% earnings growth to $76,554 by year four does show graduates gain ground over time, eventually reaching competitive mid-career salaries. But the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Given the school's 79% admission rate and modest test scores, this program appears to serve students who might not gain admission to more selective Missouri tech schools, offering them a pathway into the field without crushing debt.

For families weighing this against other Missouri options, the honest assessment is that your child will likely start behind peers from stronger programs but won't be financially underwater. If admitted to Missouri S&T or Truman State, those programs offer substantially better earning trajectories. If not, Southeast Missouri delivers a credential that gets graduates employed, just at a lower starting point than most alternatives.