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

Public, Springfield MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Fulton MO

The verdict

Westminster College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,256 in 25.3 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $52,199 vs $49,827 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureMissouri State University-SpringfieldWestminster College
Net price / yr$17,613$24,314
Total net cost$70,452$97,256
Median earnings, 10 yrs$49,827$52,199
Median debt$21,992$27,000
Payback48 yrs25.3 yrs
20-year net return-$41,112-$20,476

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

Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-Springfield or Westminster College?

Missouri State University-Springfield, at $17,613 a year after aid versus $24,314 — a gap of $6,701 a year, or $26,804 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 Westminster College graduates earn more?

Westminster College graduates report a median $52,199 ten years after entry, $2,372 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 Westminster College?

Missouri State University-Springfield: its completers carry a median $21,992 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Westminster College, a difference of $5,008. 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 55% at Westminster College. 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 Westminster College: frequently asked questions

Is Missouri State University-Springfield or Westminster College a better value?
Westminster College. It clears its $97,256 net cost in about 25.3 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $52,199 vs $49,827 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-Springfield or Westminster College?
Missouri State University-Springfield: $17,613/yr net price after aid versus $24,314/yr at Westminster College — a difference of $6,701 a year, or about $26,804 over four years.
Do Missouri State University-Springfield or Westminster College graduates earn more?
Westminster College graduates earn a median $52,199 ten years after entry, versus $49,827 at Missouri State University-Springfield — a $2,372 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.