Engineering at University of Missouri-Columbia

Mizzou's engineering program hits the sweet spot for Missouri families: graduates earn $70,366 in their first year while carrying just $23,250 in debt—a manageable 0.33 ratio that means the degree pays for itself in about four months of work. With only five engineering programs in Missouri, this performs right at the state median while sitting comfortably above the national average for engineering graduates. The combination of solid earnings and below-average debt (27th percentile nationally) creates a strong financial foundation.

However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates in the data—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. This matters less than you might think for an established program at Missouri's flagship university, but it does mean you shouldn't build your entire decision around these precise figures. The 77% admission rate makes this an accessible option for most Missouri students, and the relatively modest debt load suggests the university isn't forcing students into excessive borrowing.

For in-state students, this represents straightforward value: respectable engineering earnings without the crushing debt that can come from more expensive programs. Out-of-state families should compare carefully against their own state flagship's engineering program, as the premium for non-resident tuition could erode the debt advantage quickly.