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Missouri State University-Springfield vs Avila University: which has better ROI?

Public, Springfield MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Kansas City MO

The verdict

Avila University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $64,212 in 14.6 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $52,773 vs $49,827 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMissouri State University-SpringfieldAvila University
Net price / yr$17,613$16,053
Total net cost$70,452$64,212
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,827$52,773
Median debt$21,992$25,000
Payback48 yrs14.6 yrs
20-year net return-$41,112$24,048

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-Springfield or Avila University?

Avila University, at $16,053 a year after aid versus $17,613 — a gap of $1,560 a year, or $6,240 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Missouri State University-Springfield or Avila University graduates earn more?

Avila University graduates report a median $52,773 ten years after entry, $2,946 more than the $49,827 at Missouri State University-Springfield. 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, Missouri State University-Springfield or Avila University?

Missouri State University-Springfield: its completers carry a median $21,992 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Avila University, a difference of $3,008. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Missouri State University-Springfield, against 52% at Avila 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.

Missouri State University-Springfield vs Avila University: frequently asked questions

Is Missouri State University-Springfield or Avila University a better value?
Avila University. It clears its $64,212 net cost in about 14.6 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $52,773 vs $49,827 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-Springfield or Avila University?
Avila University: $16,053/yr net price after aid versus $17,613/yr at Missouri State University-Springfield — a difference of $1,560 a year, or about $6,240 over four years.
Do Missouri State University-Springfield or Avila University graduates earn more?
Avila University graduates earn a median $52,773 ten years after entry, versus $49,827 at Missouri State University-Springfield — a $2,946 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.