Best Design and Applied Arts Degrees in Missouri by ROI
Colleges in Missouri ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Missouri
7
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$285,834
Across Missouri programs
Average Annual Cost
$36,964
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Grad rate: 69.3% |
-$188,090 | $43,276 | $45,093 | $24,621 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies
Grad rate: 25.5% |
-$192,240 | $36,385 | $19,985 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of Central Missouri
Grad rate: 51.0% |
-$230,871 | $36,600 | $22,086 | $25,576 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
Drury University
Grad rate: 64.8% |
-$300,664 | $36,385 | $47,091 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Missouri State University-Springfield
Grad rate: 57.8% |
-$320,891 | $32,547 | $24,022 | $26,477 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Kansas City Art Institute
Grad rate: 61.0% |
-$324,366 | $39,160 | $57,779 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Stephens College
Grad rate: 46.0% |
-$443,716 | $28,353 | $42,694 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Design and Applied Arts Degrees by State
Browse Design and Applied Arts programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.