Computer Science at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC's Computer Science graduates start slightly below the national median at $69,239, but they're managing one of the lowest debt loads you'll find—just $26,375, which ranks in the 28th percentile nationally. That's $3,000 less than the typical CS graduate carries, and it means the debt represents only 4.5 months of starting salary. Within Missouri, UMKC graduates earn at the state median but rank in the 60th percentile overall, outperforming programs at schools like University of Central Missouri despite UMKC's solid 18% earnings growth trajectory.

The real story here is comparative value. While Washington University in St. Louis produces grads earning $40,000 more annually, that elite option comes with substantially higher costs and more competitive admissions. UMKC offers accessible entry (75% admission rate) into a reliable tech career path, with earnings climbing past $81,000 by year four—approaching what top programs deliver initially. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 is quite manageable for a CS degree.

For families weighing in-state options, UMKC delivers middle-of-the-pack earnings with below-average debt burden. Your child won't join the highest-paid tech workers immediately, but they'll enter the workforce with financial breathing room and steady earning potential. That combination makes this a financially sound choice, particularly if keeping costs down matters more than maximizing starting salary.