Computer Science at University of Central Missouri

University of Central Missouri's computer science program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Missouri. First-year graduates earn $67,040, slightly below the state median of $69,239, placing the program at the 40th percentile among Missouri's 20 CS programs. The good news is that debt loads are manageable at $21,500, roughly $3,400 below the state average, creating a comfortable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 that graduates should be able to handle.

The earnings trajectory shows solid 24% growth over four years, reaching $83,123—that's meaningful income growth that puts graduates in good financial position. However, the program doesn't command the premium salaries of Missouri's top-tier options like Washington University ($110,302) or even regional public competitors like UM-St. Louis ($72,810). This reflects UCM's broader profile as an accessible state school with a 69% admission rate.

For Missouri families seeking an affordable path into tech, UCM delivers reasonable value. You're paying less in tuition and graduating with less debt than many alternatives, though you're also starting slightly below average earnings. The program works best for students who need an in-state option with solid fundamentals rather than maximum earning potential—think stable middle-class tech career rather than top-tier software engineering roles. The lower debt burden partially offsets the slightly lower starting salary, making this a sensible choice for cost-conscious families.