Missouri State University-West Plains vs Cottey College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Missouri State University-West Plains comes closer — median earnings $36,922 against a $19,500 total, vs $35,422 at Cottey College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Missouri State University-West Plains | Cottey College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $9,750 | $13,805 |
| Total net cost | $19,500 | $55,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $36,922 | $35,422 |
| Median debt | $10,000 | $19,043 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$248,260 | -$313,980 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-West Plains or Cottey College?
Missouri State University-West Plains, at $9,750 a year after aid versus $13,805 — a gap of $4,055 a year, or $35,720 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-West Plains or Cottey College graduates earn more?
Missouri State University-West Plains graduates report a median $36,922 ten years after entry, $1,500 more than the $35,422 at Cottey College. 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-West Plains or Cottey College?
Missouri State University-West Plains: its completers carry a median $10,000 in federal loans versus $19,043 at Cottey College, a difference of $9,043. 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 41% at Missouri State University-West Plains. 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.