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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Missouri-St Louis 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-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | +11% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | +22% |
| Avila University | $47,530 | $65,226 | +37% |
| Lindenwood University | $47,821 | $56,644 | +18% |
| Columbia College | $48,329 | $54,280 | +12% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
 University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City | $11,988 | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
 Columbia CollegeColumbia | $24,326 | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 |
 Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles | $21,100 | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
 Avila UniversityKansas City | $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-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.