Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC's health sciences program outperforms roughly three-quarters of similar programs nationally, yet it sits squarely in the middle tier among Missouri options. First-year graduates earn $39,289—about $3,000 above the state median and $4,000 above the national median for this degree. That's solid positioning, particularly given the manageable $27,000 debt load, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio below 0.7. Most health sciences programs don't deliver this combination of above-average earnings with below-average debt.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates see a 19% pay increase by year four, reaching $46,821. This suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck at entry-level wages. For context, Missouri State leads the state at $44,443 for first-year earnings, but UMKC holds its own against other public university options like Mizzou and UCM.

The practical calculation here favors this program. With relatively low debt and earnings that eclipse both state and national averages from day one, graduates can comfortably manage loan payments while building career momentum. It's not the highest-earning health sciences degree in Missouri, but the value proposition—especially for in-state students—makes this a financially sensible path into allied health careers.