Home › Missouri State University-Springfield › Computer Science

Computer Science at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Certificate

Missouri State University-Springfield accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,407 students in Springfield, MO.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $63,175/yr, edging above the $50,632 national average for Computer Science — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 73.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 72% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer Science graduates.

At $21,166 in median debt against $63,175 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

With only 8 programs offering Computer Science nationally, this is a niche field. Missouri State University-Springfield ranks #2 among them.

Computer Science connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

81 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
81
Score
83
High End
Earnings $63,175/yr (25% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (28% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$667K
1.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
73.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,024
Out-of-state: $17,928
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,166
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Science graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Computer and information research scientists $140,910 +19.7% 37%
Database architects $135,980 +8.7% 6%
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910
+19.7% growth 37% AI-proof
Database architects
$135,980
+8.7% growth 6% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Science Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Computer Science careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Computer Science career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science Overview

View all 8 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

Saint Martin's University ($91,138) Weber State University ($79,044) Northern Virginia Community College ($48,889) University of Arkansas Grantham ($47,904) Bunker Hill Community College ($30,332) CUNY LaGuardia Community College ($24,888) Full Sail University ($19,693)

Other Majors at Missouri State University-Springfield

Dispute Resolution ($41,622) Hospitality Management ($33,275) Psychology ($30,134)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Computer Science degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Missouri State University-Springfield's Computer Science program score?
A score of 81/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Missouri State University-Springfield's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
What's the AI risk for Computer Science graduates from Missouri State University-Springfield?
With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $660,951 in decade earnings vs $666,792 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Missouri State University-Springfield one of the best schools for Computer Science?
The #2 ranking out of 8 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Computer Science?
If Missouri State University-Springfield's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Computer Science. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Computer Science graduates?
The very large job market (295,800 annual openings) works in favor of Computer Science graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →