Analysis
Webster University's education program shows a meaningful gap between Missouri and national performance. While graduates earn about 20% more than the typical Missouri education graduate ($38,697 vs. $32,131 by year four), they're still falling short of the national median by roughly $6,000 annually. That's the tension here: this program is competitive in-state—ranking in the 60th percentile among Missouri schools—but underwhelming when measured against education programs nationwide.
The debt load of $27,100 is manageable at 78% of first-year earnings, sitting right at Missouri's median but well below national averages. Graduates see steady income growth from $34,546 to $38,697 over four years, which tracks with typical teacher salary schedules. For a Missouri family planning to keep their student in-state for teaching, this program delivers better-than-average outcomes compared to most local alternatives, including the state's flagship campus in St. Louis.
However, the small sample size matters—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could skew these numbers. If your child is considering teaching out-of-state or in higher-paying districts, programs that hit closer to the $44,000 national benchmark might justify a harder look. For teaching in Missouri schools specifically, Webster represents a reasonable middle ground between cost and outcomes.
Where Webster University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Webster University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webster University | $34,546 | $38,697 | +12% |
| Saint Louis University | $36,244 | $40,192 | +11% |
| Harris-Stowe State University | $28,500 | $35,784 | +26% |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | $29,753 | $30,625 | +3% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $30,096 | $28,577 | -5% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Webster UniversitySaint Louis | $30,730 | $34,546 | $38,697 | $27,100 | 0.78 |
 Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis | $53,244 | $36,244 | $40,192 | $27,000 | 0.74 |
 Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin | $8,400 | $34,166 | — | $19,722 | 0.58 |
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $30,096 | $28,577 | $33,449 | 1.11 |
 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 Webster University, approximately 28% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.