The Best Finance Programs in Missouri for 2026
The best finance programs in Missouri are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 15 business programs in Missouri on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in finance actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 15 ranked programs in Missouri runs from $6,713 to $64,500 a year, a $57,787 spread for the same credential.
Washington University in St Louis tops the list with a 96.9 Hakia Score on a 94% graduation rate, at $64,500 a year in-state. Across all 15 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 57%, ranging from 22% to 94%. The national median pay in the field is $88,870 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Finance Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
- Washington University in St Louis ranks first among Missouri's business programs with a 96.9 Hakia Score and a 94% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 15 ranked Missouri programs spans $6,713 to $64,500 a year, a $57,787 gap for the same bachelor's in finance.
- The 15 ranked Missouri programs graduate 57% of students on average, from 22% to 94%.
- 5 of the 15 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Missouri residents.
- 4 of the 15 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $88,870 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Missouri program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 15 accredited programs in Missouri reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 15 Best Finance Bachelor's Programs in Missouri, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO · online option | Nonprofit | $64,500 | 94% | 12% | 96.9 |
| 2 | Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis, MO | Nonprofit | $54,760 | 80% | 75% | 87.1 |
| 3 | Drury UniversitySpringfield, MO | Nonprofit | $35,400 | 62% | 58% | 80.1 |
| 4 | Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO | Public | $8,559 | 58% | 74% | 78.2 |
| 5 | Evangel UniversitySpringfield, MO | Nonprofit | $27,218 | 65% | 72% | 76.5 |
| 6 | University of Central MissouriWarrensburg, MO | Public | $8,550 | 54% | 64% | 75.1 |
| 7 | Webster UniversitySaint Louis, MO | Nonprofit | $31,450 | 64% | 86% | 74.1 |
| 8 | Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles, MO | Nonprofit | $19,900 | 49% | 57% | 72.0 |
| 9 | Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MO | Public | $8,120 | 58% | 91% | 71.7 |
| 10 | Maryville University of Saint LouisSaint Louis, MO | Nonprofit | $24,766 | 66% | 95% | 70.9 |
| 11 | Westminster CollegeFulton, MO | Nonprofit | $32,124 | 55% | 79% | 67.9 |
| 12 | Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MO · online option | Public | $6,713 | 54% | 86% | 67.5 |
| 13 | Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall, MO · online option | Nonprofit | $22,000 | 22% | 69% | 62.8 |
| 14 | Columbia CollegeColumbia, MO · online option | Nonprofit | $12,276 | 42% | NR | 62.2 |
| 15 | Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph, MO | Public | $8,310 | 39% | NR | 61.3 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
The Top Finance Bachelor's Programs in Missouri at a Glance
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
Inside the Top Finance Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 94%
- Admit rate
- 12%
- In-state
- $64,500
- Out-of-state
- $64,500
Washington University in St Louis graduates 94% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 96.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 96.9, #1 of 15
- 94% graduation rate
- $64,500 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University in St Louis is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #1 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 96.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 73.6 group average. The program graduates 94% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Washington University in St Louis admits 12% of applicants, more selective than the 71% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%. The university enrolls 16,357 students overall.
On cost, Washington University in St Louis charges $64,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $258,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 80%
- Admit rate
- 75%
- In-state
- $54,760
- Out-of-state
- $54,760
Saint Louis University graduates 80% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on an 87.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 87.1, #2 of 15
- 80% graduation rate
- $54,760 tuition
- Admits just 75% of applicants
Saint Louis University is a private, nonprofit institution in Saint Louis, MO. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #2 of the 15 analyzed here with an 87.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 73.6 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 80% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Saint Louis University admits 75% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Saint Louis University charges $54,760 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $219,040 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Drury University
Springfield, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 58%
- In-state
- $35,400
- Out-of-state
- $35,400
Drury University graduates 62% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on an 80.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.1, #3 of 15
- 62% graduation rate
- $35,400 tuition
- Admits just 58% of applicants
Based in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #3 of the 15 ranked here, earning an 80.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.6 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Drury University admits 58% of applicants, more selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Drury University charges $35,400 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $141,600 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO · Public
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $8,559
- Out-of-state
- $8,559
At $8,559 a year in-state, Southeast Missouri State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 78.2 Hakia Score on a 58% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 78.2, #4 of 15
- 58% graduation rate
- $8,559 tuition
- Admits just 74% of applicants
Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #4 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 78.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.6 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Southeast Missouri State University admits 74% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Southeast Missouri State University charges $8,559 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $34,236 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Evangel University
Springfield, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 65%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $27,218
- Out-of-state
- $27,218
Evangel University graduates 65% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 76.5 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 76.5, #5 of 15
- 65% graduation rate
- $27,218 tuition
- Admits just 72% of applicants
Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #5 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 76.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.6 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 65% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Evangel University admits 72% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Evangel University charges $27,218 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $108,872 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO · Public
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $8,550
- Out-of-state
- $17,100
At $8,550 a year in-state, University of Central Missouri is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 75.1 Hakia Score on a 54% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 75.1, #6 of 15
- 54% graduation rate
- $8,550 in-state vs $17,100 out-of-state
- Admits just 64% of applicants
University of Central Missouri is a public institution in Warrensburg, MO. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #6 of the 15 analyzed here with a 75.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 73.6 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. University of Central Missouri admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, University of Central Missouri charges $8,550 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $17,100 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $34,200 in tuition for residents, against $68,400 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $31,450
- Out-of-state
- $31,450
Webster University graduates 64% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 74.1 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 74.1, #7 of 15
- 64% graduation rate
- $31,450 tuition
- Admits just 86% of applicants
Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #7 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 74.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 73.6 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Webster University admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Webster University charges $31,450 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $125,800 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 57%
- In-state
- $19,900
- Out-of-state
- $19,900
Lindenwood University ranks #8 of the 15 bachelor's in finance programs in this analysis, with a 72.0 Hakia Score and a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.0, #8 of 15
- 49% graduation rate
- $19,900 tuition
- Admits just 57% of applicants
Lindenwood University is a private, nonprofit institution in Saint Charles, MO. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #8 of the 15 analyzed here with a 72.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Lindenwood University admits 57% of applicants, more selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Lindenwood University charges $19,900 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $79,600 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Public
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- In-state
- $8,120
- Out-of-state
- $17,388
At $8,120 a year in-state, Missouri State University-Springfield is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 71.7 Hakia Score on a 58% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 71.7, #9 of 15
- 58% graduation rate
- $8,120 in-state vs $17,388 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University-Springfield is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #9 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 71.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Missouri State University-Springfield admits 91% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Missouri State University-Springfield charges $8,120 a year in-state, roughly 2.1x the $17,388 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $32,480 in tuition for residents, against $69,552 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 95%
- In-state
- $24,766
- Out-of-state
- $24,766
Maryville University of Saint Louis graduates 66% of its students, above the 57% average across this ranking, on a 70.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 70.9, #10 of 15
- 66% graduation rate
- $24,766 tuition
- Admits just 95% of applicants
Maryville University of Saint Louis is a private, nonprofit institution in Saint Louis, MO. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #10 of the 15 analyzed here with a 70.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 66% of its students, above the 57% average across the ranked schools. Maryville University of Saint Louis admits 95% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Maryville University of Saint Louis charges $24,766 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $99,064 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Westminster College
Fulton, MO · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 55%
- Admit rate
- 79%
- In-state
- $32,124
- Out-of-state
- $32,124
Westminster College ranks #11 of the 15 bachelor's in finance programs in this analysis, with a 67.9 Hakia Score and a 55% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.9, #11 of 15
- 55% graduation rate
- $32,124 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Fulton, MO, Westminster College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #11 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 67.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 55% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Westminster College admits 79% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Westminster College charges $32,124 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $128,496 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $6,713
- Out-of-state
- $13,426
At $6,713 a year in-state, Northwest Missouri State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 67.5 Hakia Score on a 54% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.5, #12 of 15
- 54% graduation rate
- $6,713 in-state vs $13,426 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #12 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 67.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Northwest Missouri State University admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Northwest Missouri State University charges $6,713 a year in-state, roughly 2.0x the $13,426 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $26,852 in tuition for residents, against $53,704 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 22%
- Admit rate
- 69%
- In-state
- $22,000
- Out-of-state
- $22,000
Missouri Valley College ranks #13 of the 15 bachelor's in finance programs in this analysis, with a 62.8 Hakia Score and a 22% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 62.8, #13 of 15
- 22% graduation rate
- $22,000 tuition
- Online option available
Missouri Valley College is a private, nonprofit institution in Marshall, MO. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #13 of the 15 analyzed here with a 62.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 22% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Missouri Valley College admits 69% of applicants, more selective than the 71% average for the group. That is more open than the 12% rate at Washington University in St Louis, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%.
On cost, Missouri Valley College charges $22,000 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $88,000 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
Columbia College
Columbia, MO · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 42%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $12,276
- Out-of-state
- $12,276
At $12,276 a year in-state, Columbia College is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 62.2 Hakia Score on a 42% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 62.2, #14 of 15
- 42% graduation rate
- $12,276 tuition
- Online option available
Columbia College is a private, nonprofit institution in Columbia, MO. Its Bachelor's in Finance program ranks #14 of the 15 analyzed here with a 62.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 42% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%. The university enrolls 5,689 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Columbia College charges $12,276 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $49,104 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 7x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MO · Public
- Grad rate
- 39%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $8,310
- Out-of-state
- $17,220
At $8,310 a year in-state, Missouri Western State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in finance programs ranked here, holding a 61.3 Hakia Score on a 39% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 61.3, #15 of 15
- 39% graduation rate
- $8,310 in-state vs $17,220 out-of-state
- 3,716 students enrolled
Based in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Finance program lands at #15 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 61.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 73.6 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 39% of its students, below the 57% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 22% to 94%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,716 students.
On cost, Missouri Western State University charges $8,310 a year in-state, roughly 2.1x the $17,220 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $33,240 in tuition for residents, against $68,880 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $6,713 at Northwest Missouri State University to $64,500 at Washington University in St Louis. The spread makes the program a clearer value for MO residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $88,870 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
What a Bachelor's in Finance Costs in Missouri
In-state tuition among the 15 ranked finance programs in Missouri runs from $6,713 to $64,500 a year. Northwest Missouri State University anchors the low end at $6,713, while Washington University in St Louis sits at the top at $64,500. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $26,852 in tuition at the low end against roughly $258,000 at the high end for the same bachelor's in finance. Against the national median of $88,870 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes a finance degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Finance Options in Missouri
4 of the 15 ranked Missouri programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online finance degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Finance Careers and Pay After a Missouri Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $88,870 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $6,713 or $64,500 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Missouri program compete in that same national pay structure.
Finance Bachelor's Programs in Missouri: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best finance bachelor's degree in Missouri?
By Hakia Score, Washington University in St Louis ranks first among the 15 finance programs in Missouri we analyzed, with a 96.9 score and a 94% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does a finance bachelor's degree cost in Missouri?
In-state tuition among the ranked Missouri programs runs from $6,713 to $64,500 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online finance bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $88,870 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Missouri-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How the Finance Bachelor's Programs in Missouri Are Scored
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.