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University of Missouri-St Louis vs Avila University: which has better ROI?

Public, Saint Louis MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Kansas City MO

The verdict

University of Missouri-St Louis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,284 in 12.9 years versus 14.6 years at Avila University, on median earnings of $53,037 vs $52,773 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Missouri-St LouisAvila University
Net price / yr$15,071$16,053
Total net cost$60,284$64,212
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,037$52,773
Median debt$20,000$25,000
Payback12.9 yrs14.6 yrs
20-year net return$33,256$24,048

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

Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-St Louis or Avila University?

University of Missouri-St Louis, at $15,071 a year after aid versus $16,053 — a gap of $982 a year, or $3,928 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-St Louis or Avila University graduates earn more?

University of Missouri-St Louis graduates report a median $53,037 ten years after entry, $264 more than the $52,773 at Avila University. 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-St Louis or Avila University?

University of Missouri-St Louis: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Avila University, a difference of $5,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at University of Missouri-St Louis, against 52% at Avila University. 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.

University of Missouri-St Louis vs Avila University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Missouri-St Louis or Avila University a better value?
University of Missouri-St Louis. It clears its $60,284 net cost in about 12.9 years versus 14.6 years at Avila University, on median earnings of $53,037 vs $52,773 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-St Louis or Avila University?
University of Missouri-St Louis: $15,071/yr net price after aid versus $16,053/yr at Avila University — a difference of $982 a year, or about $3,928 over four years.
Do University of Missouri-St Louis or Avila University graduates earn more?
University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earn a median $53,037 ten years after entry, versus $52,773 at Avila University — a $264 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.