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Southeast Missouri State University

One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, USA

Southeast Missouri State University award
Southeast Missouri State University award
US ranking
position: 296
Tuition & fees per year: $10,194
Acceptance rate: 79.00%
Median alumni salary: $38,184
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What are the graduation rates for students at Southeast Missouri State University?

Graduation rates at Southeast Missouri State University present a mixed picture for prospective students evaluating their academic prospects. Overall, the six-year graduation rate stands at 56%, placing the university in the lower half nationally, while the four-year graduation rate is notably lower at 39%, indicating that fewer than two in five students complete their bachelor's degree within the standard timeframe.

When disaggregated by gender, female students tend to graduate at a somewhat higher rate than their male counterparts. The graduation rate for women is 59%, compared to 51% for men, both of which are considered average but remain below the median among peer institutions. These figures reflect similar trends across other universities but highlight a modest gender gap favoring female student retention and completion.

Retention rates also offer insight into the university's academic environment, with 76% of students returning after their first year. This retention rate is slightly above average and suggests that a majority of students who begin their studies remain enrolled for subsequent years, potentially improving their likelihood of graduation over time.

While more granular graduation statistics by major or degree focus are not detailed, the overall data provides important context. With graduation rates in the bottom 50% nationally, students may wish to consider the time frame and support systems necessary to complete their education successfully at Southeast Missouri State University.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Southeast Missouri State University?

Graduates of Southeast Missouri State University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those with degrees in technology and engineering-related areas tend to command some of the highest salaries. For instance, graduates in Engineering Technology, General report average earnings of $55,063, while those specializing in Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians earn about $38,714. Computer and Information Sciences graduates also achieve strong income outcomes, averaging $50,908 annually.

Business-related disciplines at the university also show promising financial returns. Accounting and Related Services graduates earn around $44,023, and Finance and Financial Management Services holders see average salaries near $41,335. Students completing degrees in Business Administration, Management and Operations have a median income of approximately $35,772, whereas Hospitality Administration graduates earn roughly $36,159.

In communications, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication degree holders achieve median earnings close to $38,597, while Communication and Media Studies graduates make about $32,558. Social Sciences and related fields present moderate earning prospects, with Social Sciences, General graduates earning around $37,090 and Political Science and Government alumni averaging $34,899.

Education graduates obtain incomes that vary by specialization but generally fall in the lower to mid-range brackets. Special Education and Teaching graduates report earnings of $32,329, and Teacher Education and Professional Development in specific levels and methods average around $29,916. Those focusing on specific subject areas earn about $29,430.

Health and nursing graduate earnings notably surpass many other disciplines. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing degrees yield an average annual wage of $59,369, representing the highest earning potential among the university's graduates by field.

Other disciplines also show varied and competitive earnings. Agricultural Business and Management graduates earn approximately $41,320, while Marketing graduates report median salaries near $33,855. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services, Psychology, and Social Work degrees fall in varying ranges, with Psychology graduates earning roughly $28,965 and Social Work graduates around $28,583.

Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation 56%
Graduation rate, total cohort
4-year Graduation 39%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 4 years, total
6-year Graduation 56%
Graduation rate - Bachelor degree within 6 years, total

Southeast Missouri State University Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: 3

Part time employees: 4

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: Data not available

Career Center services:

  • Job Interviews
  • Career library
  • Resume preparation
  • Career/Interest testing
  • Interview workshop

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

Southeast Missouri State University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields

352762

Natural Resources and Conservation

617

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

5350103

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

96473

Education

16244206

Engineering

257

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

165268

Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences

31637

English Language and Literature/Letters

10414

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

8158139

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

613091

Mathematics and Statistics

3912

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

26632

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

92130

Philosophy and Religious Studies

011

Physical Sciences

8412

Psychology

8617103

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

372764

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

31132

Social Sciences

132033

Visual and Performing Arts

552075

Health Professions and Related Programs

14730177

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

87114201

History

437

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Natural Resources and Conservation

527

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

88219307

Education

10626132

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

41317

English Language and Literature/Letters

527

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

527

Mathematics and Statistics

347

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

347

Psychology

19221

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

325

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

9413

Health Professions and Related Programs

53558

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

352863

History

538