Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

Public, Springfield MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Saint Louis MO

The verdict

Webster University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,188 in 43 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $50,876 vs $49,827 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureMissouri State University-SpringfieldWebster University
Net price / yr$17,613$27,047
Total net cost$70,452$108,188
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,827$50,876
Median debt$21,992$23,000
Payback48 yrs43 yrs
20-year net return-$41,112-$57,868

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

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

Missouri State University-Springfield, at $17,613 a year after aid versus $27,047 — a gap of $9,434 a year, or $37,736 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 Webster University graduates earn more?

Webster University graduates report a median $50,876 ten years after entry, $1,049 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 Webster University?

Missouri State University-Springfield: its completers carry a median $21,992 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Webster University, a difference of $1,008. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Webster University, against 58% at Missouri State University-Springfield. 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 Webster University: frequently asked questions

Is Missouri State University-Springfield or Webster University a better value?
Webster University. It clears its $108,188 net cost in about 43 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $50,876 vs $49,827 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-Springfield or Webster University?
Missouri State University-Springfield: $17,613/yr net price after aid versus $27,047/yr at Webster University — a difference of $9,434 a year, or about $37,736 over four years.
Do Missouri State University-Springfield or Webster University graduates earn more?
Webster University graduates earn a median $50,876 ten years after entry, versus $49,827 at Missouri State University-Springfield — a $1,049 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.