Business/Commerce at University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
| Columbia College | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 |
| Lindenwood University | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
| Avila University | $47,530 | $65,226 | $32,750 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $55,999 | $21,500 |
| University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis | $13,440 | $48,928 | $21,538 |
| Columbia College Columbia | $24,326 | $48,329 | $28,100 |
| Lindenwood University Saint Charles | $21,100 | $47,821 | $31,000 |
| Avila University Kansas City | $38,672 | $47,530 | $32,750 |
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.