Nursing at Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
80 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
80
Optimistic
80
Base Case
79
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,273/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (9.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #431 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $643K $642K $586K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.1x 19.1x 17.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.6x 9.6x 8.7x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 80 80 79

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,600
Out-of-state: $67,200 (9.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,612
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,025
6% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Missouri Southern State University's Nursing graduates start at $62,273/yr, trailing the $75,273 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 19.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $22,750 in median debt clears quickly against $62,273 in annual earnings.

A #431 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Missouri Southern State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $62,273 to $66,025 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Missouri Southern State University

A 97% acceptance rate means Missouri Southern State University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 3,101 students in Joplin, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri Southern State University →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 80/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Missouri Southern State University?
At 80/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Missouri Southern State University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Missouri Southern State University a good choice for Nursing despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Missouri Southern State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →