4525 Downs Drive, Saint Joseph, MO 64507, USA


Missouri Western State University reports graduation rates that fall on the lower end of national comparisons. The overall graduation rate is 40%, placing the institution in the bottom 20% of colleges nationwide. This suggests that fewer than half of the students complete their studies within the measured timeframe.
When broken down by gender, the graduation rates show some variation. Women graduate at a slightly higher rate of 42%, which remains in the lower 15th percentile, while men graduate at a rate of 36%, situated in the bottom 25%. These figures indicate a consistent trend of relatively low graduation success across both genders at the university.
The four-year graduation rate is particularly low at 24%, ranking in the bottom 20%, meaning only about a quarter of students complete their bachelor's degrees within four years. Extending the timeline to six years improves this statistic to 40%, but this rate still ranks in the bottom quartile nationally, highlighting challenges in timely degree completion.
Retention rates also reflect this pattern, with only 59% of first-year students continuing on to the second year. This figure is considered low and places Missouri Western State University in the bottom 15% of retention rates among comparable institutions.
Graduates of Missouri Western State University experience a range of earnings depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest earners are those who majored in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, with an average salary of $57,395. Similarly, students who studied Computer and Information Sciences, General, see strong earning prospects, averaging $52,160 after graduation.
Business-related degrees also offer competitive earnings. For example, graduates with a degree in Finance and Financial Management Services earn approximately $44,124, while those in Marketing and Business Administration, Management and Operations earn around $40,378 and $40,262 respectively. Accounting and Related Services graduates receive an average of $39,358, indicating business fields as a reliable source of strong financial outcomes.
Several programs in education and social sciences produce moderate income levels. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates earn around $31,653, and Social Work graduates bring in about $30,966. Criminal Justice and Corrections alumni earn an average of $33,540, surpassing other social sciences like Psychology, General, where graduates make roughly $29,656.
Fields in health and physical education show solid post-graduation earnings as well. Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduates average $33,429, while those in Health and Medical Administrative Services earn about $32,272, reflecting stable returns in health-related professions.
Lower but notable earnings are seen in some natural sciences and interdisciplinary studies. Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates earn an average of $26,250, while Biology, General graduates earn around $24,121. Those with degrees in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, see earnings close to $28,876, indicating a breadth of moderate earning options across diverse fields.
Career Centers:
Full time employees: Data not available
Part time employees: Data not available
Career Counselling:
Individual: All undergraduates
Group: All undergraduates
Career Center services:
Other information:
Job bank on campus
YesJob fairs on campus
YesOn campus employer recruitment
All undergraduatesBACHELOR’S Degree
Natural Resources and Conservation
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Education
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Legal Professions and Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
History
MASTER’S Degree
Education
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services