University of Central Missouri

What are the graduation rates for students at University of Central Missouri?

The graduation rates at University of Central Missouri present a mixed picture for prospective students. The overall graduation rate stands at 49%, placing the university in the lower third nationally, with a percentile rank around 34%. This indicates that slightly fewer than half of the students complete their programs compared to peers at other institutions.

When disaggregated by gender, graduation rates reveal a noticeable difference. Women graduate at a rate of 55%, which is higher than the overall average and situates them near the bottom 40% percentile nationally. In contrast, male students have a lower graduation rate of 43%, also falling within the lower 35% range. These figures suggest women at the university are more likely to complete their degrees than men, though both groups face challenges compared to national averages.

Looking at graduation over specific timeframes, the four-year graduation rate is 36%, indicating just over one-third of students earn their degree within the traditional timeframe, placing the institution within the bottom 40%. The six-year graduation rate improves to 49%, aligning with the overall rate and confirming a trend of extended time to degree completion for many students.

Retention rates also shed light on student persistence, with 70% of students returning after their first year. This rate is again in the lower third of national rankings, signaling that nearly one in three students do not continue beyond their initial year, a critical factor impacting eventual graduation outcomes.

What is the earning potential for graduates at University of Central Missouri?

Graduates from University of Central Missouri experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those who earn degrees in engineering technology and related fields tend to have some of the highest starting salaries. For instance, graduates in construction management report average earnings of $61,468, while those in quality control and safety technologies earn around $61,348. Similarly, graduates in engineering technology, general, earn approximately $59,910.

Computer-related disciplines also offer strong financial prospects. Alumni with a degree in computer and information sciences earn about $48,256, and computer science graduates earn close to $47,256. Degrees in air transportation also provide competitive earnings, averaging $48,026.

Business and management fields show respectable income levels. Those holding degrees in business administration, management, and operations have average earnings of $43,158, while agricultural business and management graduates make around $40,019. Finance and financial management services graduates earn about $40,548, and marketing degree holders make approximately $38,106. Accounting and related services graduates have reported earnings near $36,755.

Other communication and social sciences degrees tend to yield more modest salaries. For example, graduates in public relations, advertising, and applied communication earn around $35,915, while those in communication and media studies earn $30,761. Criminal justice and corrections graduates earn about $34,231.

Education-related fields tend to offer average earnings ranging from $30,474 for specific levels and methods of teacher education to $33,146 for special education and teaching. Liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities graduates earn approximately $34,020, reflecting steady but lower income levels in these disciplines.

Health-related programs produce varied outcomes. Registered nursing graduates earn significantly higher salaries, near $59,831, whereas allied health diagnostic and intervention professions offer starting pay around $39,748. Dietetics and clinical nutrition services graduates earn an average of $27,206.

Some of the lower reported earnings are found in fine and studio arts, where graduates make approximately $21,099. Human development and family studies, as well as social work, offer average incomes near $29,752 and $29,402 respectively.