Economics at University of Missouri-St Louis

UMSL's economics program delivers solidly for Missouri students but lags behind national standards. At $46,583 first-year, graduates earn exactly the state median—placing them in the 60th percentile among Missouri programs—but fall short of the $51,722 national median by about $5,000. The manageable $22,962 debt load and resulting 0.49 ratio mean graduates face reasonable monthly payments, though Washington University economics grads in the same metro area start at $66,325, demonstrating the premium commanded by more selective programs.

The 38% earnings growth to $64,281 by year four shows promising trajectory and helps justify the degree investment. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly year to year. For Missouri families keeping their child in-state for tuition savings, UMSL represents a middle-ground option—better than regional schools like Central Missouri, but trailing flagship Mizzou by about $6,000 in starting salary.

The bottom line: If your child is staying in Missouri and can't access Washington University or compete for Mizzou's stronger program, UMSL economics offers reasonable value with manageable debt. But if national career mobility matters, understand that this program starts graduates below the typical economics bachelor's holder nationwide, which could affect early career opportunities in major financial centers.