Accounting at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC's accounting program sits comfortably in the middle of Missouri's accounting landscape—not the flashiest option, but a financially sensible one. At $54,357 starting out, graduates earn slightly above the national median and substantially more than Missouri's typical accounting grad ($50,218). Within four years, they're pulling in $65,509, nearly matching what Mizzou grads start at and showing the program has solid career momentum.

The debt picture strengthens the case: $22,350 is well below both national and state medians, creating a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary—a comfortable position for an anxious parent to hear. While UMKC doesn't reach the heights of Saint Louis University or Maryville, it's also not asking students to take on their debt loads to get there.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, UMKC delivers straightforward value. Your child won't be the highest earner among Missouri accounting grads, but they'll be earning more than most while carrying less debt. The 21% earnings growth over four years suggests employers value these graduates' skills, even if the university's 75% admission rate and modest test scores don't scream prestige. If your student wants to work in Kansas City and prefers a debt-conscious path into accounting, this program accomplishes exactly that without drama.