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Truman State University vs Ranken Technical College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Truman State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,120 in 6.5 years versus 9.9 years at Ranken Technical College, on median earnings of $56,280 vs $55,955 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTruman State UniversityRanken Technical College
Net price / yr$12,780$18,795
Total net cost$51,120$75,180
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,280$55,955
Median debt$21,000$12,000
Payback6.5 yrs9.9 yrs
20-year net return$107,280$76,720

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

Which is cheaper, Truman State University or Ranken Technical College?

Truman State University, at $12,780 a year after aid versus $18,795 — a gap of $6,015 a year, or $24,060 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Truman State University or Ranken Technical College graduates earn more?

Truman State University graduates report a median $56,280 ten years after entry, $325 more than the $55,955 at Ranken Technical 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, Truman State University or Ranken Technical College?

Ranken Technical College: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Truman State University, a difference of $9,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Truman State University, against 53% at Ranken Technical 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.

Truman State University vs Ranken Technical College: frequently asked questions

Is Truman State University or Ranken Technical College a better value?
Truman State University. It clears its $51,120 net cost in about 6.5 years versus 9.9 years at Ranken Technical College, on median earnings of $56,280 vs $55,955 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Truman State University or Ranken Technical College?
Truman State University: $12,780/yr net price after aid versus $18,795/yr at Ranken Technical College — a difference of $6,015 a year, or about $24,060 over four years.
Do Truman State University or Ranken Technical College graduates earn more?
Truman State University graduates earn a median $56,280 ten years after entry, versus $55,955 at Ranken Technical College — a $325 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.