Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,603
54th percentile
60th percentile in Missouri
Median Debt
$21,853
16% below national median

Analysis

UMKC's business program delivers above-average outcomes at a genuinely affordable price point. Starting salaries of $48,603 beat both national and state medians, ranking in the 60th percentile among Missouri business programs—respectable performance that puts graduates ahead of peers at schools like Columbia College and Lindenwood. The debt load of $21,853 is notably lower than the national median of $26,000, resulting in a healthy 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio that positions graduates to pay off loans quickly.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to nearly $54,000 by year four, an 11% increase that suggests graduates are progressing in their careers. While UMKC doesn't match flagship Mizzou's $56,000 starting salaries, it comes reasonably close at a potentially lower cost of attendance. The 75% admission rate means this opportunity is accessible to most Missouri students with solid academic records.

For families concerned about manageable debt and competitive starting salaries, UMKC's business program represents a solid middle-ground option. You're getting better-than-average outcomes without the debt burden that saddles graduates from many private alternatives. The program won't catapult your child to the top of Missouri's business market, but it provides a stable foundation for career growth at a price that makes financial sense.

Where University of Missouri-Kansas City Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Missouri-Kansas City$48,603$53,997+11%
University of Missouri-Columbia$55,999$68,404+22%
Avila University$47,530$65,226+37%
Lindenwood University$47,821$56,644+18%
University of Missouri-St Louis$48,928$54,470+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City$11,988$48,603$53,997$21,8530.45
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia$14,130$55,999$68,404$21,5000.38
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis$13,440$48,928$54,470$21,5380.44
Columbia CollegeColumbia$24,326$48,329$54,280$28,1000.58
Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles$21,100$47,821$56,644$31,0000.65
Avila UniversityKansas City$38,672$47,530$65,226$32,7500.69
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Industrial Production Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Quality Control Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate quality assurance programs. Formulate quality control policies and control quality of laboratory and production efforts.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geothermal Production Managers

Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels Production Managers

Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biomass Power Plant Managers

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydroelectric Production Managers

Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.

$121,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Construction Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

$106,980/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Administrative Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Facilities Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Security Managers

Direct an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.

$106,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 University of Missouri-Kansas City, approximately 25% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 271 graduates with reported earnings and 257 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.