2026 Best Value Business Schools in Missouri
Looking for the best-value Business degree programs in Missouri? We have ranked 140 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Business Degree Central evaluated 35 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Business Degree Schools in Missouri
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Business degree schools in Missouri. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Park University earned it the #2 place in Missouri. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. The median Business program debt is $22,112. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Park University
A rank of #3 makes Truman State University one of the best values in Missouri. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Truman State University
Out of the 35 schools in Missouri in this year's value ranking, Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #3 spot. Ozarks Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Students borrow a median of $15,866 to complete their Business program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,455. Set against $15,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ozarks Technical Community College profile
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #5 on this year's best-value Business ranking in Missouri. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical Business student debt is $21,818. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Missouri University Of Science And Technology placed #6 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,984, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Missouri University Of Science And Technology Business students take on a median of $25,187 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,957 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their Business program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #8 spot for value in Missouri this year. Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Business student debt is $23,585. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
State Fair Community College landed the #9 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Sedalia, MO, State Fair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,176, with out-of-state students paying around $7,416. State Fair Community College Business students take on a median of $15,328 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,562 ten years out. Set against $15,328 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on State Fair Community College
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
Missouri Western State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,545, while out-of-state students pay about $18,455. Students borrow a median of $24,362 to complete their Business program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,647 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Missouri Western State University
Missouri Southern State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Missouri Southern State University is a public school based in Joplin, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,600, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Typical Business student debt is $22,241. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
Columbia College Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $29,213. Columbia College Missouri alumni report median earnings of $45,378 a decade after entry. Set against $29,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Columbia College Missouri profile
University Of Central Missouri came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. University Of Central Missouri Business students take on a median of $24,304 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,560 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
University Of Missouri St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. University Of Missouri St Louis alumni report median earnings of $53,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
University Of Missouri Kansas City placed #16 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. Set in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,371, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Typical Business student debt is $23,741. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,637 ten years after entry. Set against $23,741 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Missouri Kansas City
Webster University placed #17 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Typical Business student debt is $25,939. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Webster University report
William Woods University landed the #18 spot for value in Missouri this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fulton, MO. Students from in state pay about $30,340 in tuition and fees. Typical Business student debt is $25,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full William Woods University report
Harris Stowe State University placed #19 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $7,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. The median Business program debt is $32,394. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,088. That is a strong return on a $32,394 median debt. More on Harris Stowe State University
Lindenwood University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. The median Business program debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Avila University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,200. Typical Business student debt is $29,750. Avila University alumni report median earnings of $52,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Avila University report
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Poplar Bluff, MO, Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,830, while out-of-state students pay about $6,060. Typical Business student debt is $11,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,442. Set against $11,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff
Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #23 spot for value in Missouri this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,166. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Lincoln University Missouri came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jefferson City, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,796, with out-of-state students paying around $17,692. The median Business program debt is $32,831. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,463. That is a strong return on a $32,831 median debt. Read the full report on Lincoln University Missouri
Culver Stockton College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Culver Stockton College is a private not-for-profit school based in Canton, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,875. Typical Business student debt is $27,252. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,092 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,252 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Culver Stockton College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Business Degree Schools in Missouri
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Rockhurst University landed the #26 spot for value in Missouri this year. Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $44,966. The median Business program debt is $24,111. Rockhurst University alumni report median earnings of $67,102 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Rockhurst University profile
Southwest Baptist University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bolivar, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,566. Southwest Baptist University Business students take on a median of $24,436 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,112 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,436 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southwest Baptist University
Fontbonne University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Fontbonne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,976. Fontbonne University Business students take on a median of $33,503 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,825 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,503 median debt. Read more about Fontbonne University
Drury University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Drury University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $36,745. Students borrow a median of $26,641 to complete their Business program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drury University has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read the full report on Drury University
Evangel University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Evangel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Graduates carry a median of $24,876 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,573 ten years after entry. Set against $24,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Evangel University
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,760. The median Business program debt is $26,586. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
Missouri Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,122. Typical Business student debt is $27,337. Median earnings reach $46,660 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,337 median debt. Missouri Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Missouri Baptist University
Bryan University Springfield ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Bryan University Springfield is a private for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $15,868. Graduates carry a median of $24,421 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $28,725. Set against $24,421 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bryan University Springfield
Washington University In St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Business program here. Washington University In St Louis alumni report median earnings of $86,182 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,553 median debt. Washington University In St Louis has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Washington University In St Louis
Missouri Valley College landed the #35 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Marshall, MO, Missouri Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,700. The median Business program debt is $27,892. Missouri Valley College alumni report median earnings of $43,221 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,892 median debt. Missouri Valley College has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read more about Missouri Valley College
Kansas City Art Institute came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Kansas City Art Institute report
Calvary Bible College And Theological Seminary came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Calvary Bible College And Theological Seminary
College Of The Ozarks offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about College Of The Ozarks
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Texas County Technical College placed #40 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. Read the full report on Texas County Technical College
Waynesville Career Center landed the #41 spot for value in Missouri this year. See the full Waynesville Career Center profile
Urshan Graduate School Of Theology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Urshan Graduate School Of Theology
North Central Missouri College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Get the full North Central Missouri College report
Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full Cape Girardeau Career And Technology Center report
Cottey College
Cottey College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full Cottey College profile
Carthage R9 School District Carthage Technical Center placed #46 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. More on Carthage R9 School District Carthage Technical Center
St Charles Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read more about St Charles Community College
Research College Of Nursing placed #48 among the best-value Business schools in Missouri. Read more about Research College Of Nursing
Franklin Technology Mssu ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Business schools. Get the full Franklin Technology Mssu report
Merrell University Of Beauty Arts And Science came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Merrell University Of Beauty Arts And Science profile
More Business Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Business Degree Central (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 35 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 140 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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