Analysis
The small sample size here demands caution, but the pattern is troubling: graduates earn $30,096 in their first year, then see their income actually drop to $28,577 by year four. That's moving in the wrong direction, and it places this program in just the 15th percentile nationally for education degrees. While the 40th percentile ranking among Missouri programs sounds more reasonable, it still trails the state median of $32,131 and lags behind most comparable schools—Saint Louis University's education grads earn over $6,000 more.
The debt picture compounds the concern. At $33,449, graduates carry significantly more debt than both state and national medians (around $27,000), while earning considerably less. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.11, meaning graduates owe more than a full year's salary. For a field where starting salaries rarely rise quickly, this can mean years of financial strain.
With fewer than 30 graduates in this data set, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. But if you're comparing Missouri education programs, several in-state options show stronger outcomes at similar or lower debt levels. Given the negative earnings trajectory and above-average debt, families should look closely at alternative programs unless there are compelling non-financial reasons to choose UMSL.
Where University of Missouri-St Louis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education 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 | $30,096 | $28,577 | -5% |
| Saint Louis University | $36,244 | $40,192 | +11% |
| Webster University | $34,546 | $38,697 | +12% |
| Harris-Stowe State University | $28,500 | $35,784 | +26% |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | $29,753 | $30,625 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (24 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 | $30,096 | $28,577 | $33,449 | 1.11 |
 Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis | $53,244 | $36,244 | $40,192 | $27,000 | 0.74 |
 Webster UniversitySaint Louis | $30,730 | $34,546 | $38,697 | $27,100 | 0.78 |
 Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin | $8,400 | $34,166 | — | $19,722 | 0.58 |
 Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and SciencesFayette | $27,140 | $29,753 | $30,625 | $21,250 | 0.71 |
 Harris-Stowe State UniversitySaint Louis | $6,442 | $28,500 | $35,784 | $35,478 | 1.24 |
| National Median | — | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.