University of Missouri-Columbia vs University of Missouri-Kansas City: which has better ROI?
University of Missouri-Kansas City has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $53,240 in 4.7 years versus 5.4 years at University of Missouri-Columbia, on median earnings of $59,637 vs $63,403 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Missouri-Columbia | University of Missouri-Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,268 | $13,310 |
| Total net cost | $81,072 | $53,240 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,403 | $59,637 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,750 |
| Payback | 5.4 yrs | 4.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $219,788 | $172,300 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-Columbia or University of Missouri-Kansas City?
University of Missouri-Kansas City, at $13,310 a year after aid versus $20,268 — a gap of $6,958 a year, or $27,832 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Missouri-Columbia or University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn more?
University of Missouri-Columbia graduates report a median $63,403 ten years after entry, $3,766 more than the $59,637 at University of Missouri-Kansas City. 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, University of Missouri-Columbia or University of Missouri-Kansas City?
University of Missouri-Kansas City: its completers carry a median $18,750 in federal loans versus $20,500 at University of Missouri-Columbia, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at University of Missouri-Columbia, against 55% at University of Missouri-Kansas City. 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.