Business/Commerce at University of Missouri-St Louis
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Business graduates from University of Missouri-St. Louis face a challenging debt burden that sets them apart from peers statewide. While the program's median debt of $21,538 sits close to Missouri's median of $22,732, it ranks in the 80th percentile nationally—meaning 80% of business programs nationwide saddle students with less debt. This creates a concerning gap when paired with earnings that, while respectable, don't fully compensate for the higher borrowing.
The earnings picture offers some reassurance but limited upside. First-year graduates earn $48,928, placing the program in Missouri's 60th percentile and slightly above both state and national medians. However, UMSL trails the flagship University of Missouri-Columbia by over $7,000 annually, and even after four years of career growth, graduates reach just $54,470—barely matching what top Missouri programs deliver in year one.
With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates can expect to manage their loans reasonably well, but the combination of above-average debt and modest earnings growth suggests this program offers fair rather than exceptional value. For families prioritizing affordability in business education, exploring lower-cost Missouri options or the stronger earning potential at Mizzou may provide better long-term financial outcomes.
Where University of Missouri-St Louis 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-St Louis graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 55th 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-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
| 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-Kansas City Kansas City | $11,988 | $48,603 | $21,853 |
| 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-St Louis, approximately 18% 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 430 graduates with reported earnings and 424 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.