Harris-Stowe State University vs Cottey College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Cottey College comes closer — median earnings $35,422 against a $55,220 total, vs $31,088 at Harris-Stowe State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Harris-Stowe State University | Cottey College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,922 | $13,805 |
| Total net cost | $39,688 | $55,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $31,088 | $35,422 |
| Median debt | $25,930 | $19,043 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$385,128 | -$313,980 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Harris-Stowe State University or Cottey College?
Harris-Stowe State University, at $9,922 a year after aid versus $13,805 — a gap of $3,883 a year, or $15,532 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Harris-Stowe State University or Cottey College graduates earn more?
Cottey College graduates report a median $35,422 ten years after entry, $4,334 more than the $31,088 at Harris-Stowe State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Harris-Stowe State University or Cottey College?
Cottey College: its completers carry a median $19,043 in federal loans versus $25,930 at Harris-Stowe State University, a difference of $6,887. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
56% of students finish at Cottey College, against 28% at Harris-Stowe State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.