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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,988 | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 | |
| $14,130 | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 | |
| $13,440 | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 | |
| $24,326 | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 | |
| $21,100 | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 | |
| $38,672 | $47,530 | $65,226 | $32,750 | 0.69 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.