General Sales at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Certificate · General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations

University of Missouri-Columbia accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 23,118 students enrolled in Columbia, MO.

Program Analysis

University of Missouri-Columbia General Sales graduates command $64,382/yr out of the gate, well above the $34,853 national median. That 85% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 47.7x 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 — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for General Sales graduates.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,250 in median debt clears fast against $64,382 in annual earnings.

Ranked #2 out of 16 programs, University of Missouri-Columbia's General Sales program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 8 registered apprenticeships mapped to General Sales, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

78 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
75
Low End
78
Score
80
High End
Earnings $64,382/yr (85% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (499,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$674K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
47.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
11 of 11
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)
$14,130
Out-of-state: $34,338
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for General Sales graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products $100,070 +1.9% 54%
Business teachers, postsecondary $97,270 +5.7% 51%
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers $84,130 0.0% 46%
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
$100,070
+1.9% growth 54% AI-proof
Business teachers, postsecondary
$97,270
+5.7% growth 51% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
$84,130
0.0% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 11 career paths with full salary data →

About General Sales Careers

Your career in sales can take you in two main directions. You might become a first-line supervisor in a retail store, where your day involves managing schedules for your sales team, tracking inventory in the back room, and being the go-to person on the floor for tough customer issues. Alternatively, you could hit the road as a B2B sales representative, meeting with business clients to understand their needs, demonstrating how your products or services can help, and negotiating contracts.

Read the full General Sales career guide →

Compare & Explore

General Sales Overview

General Sales at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Missouri-Columbia

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 78/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for General Sales at University of Missouri-Columbia?
A score of 78/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. University of Missouri-Columbia's General Sales graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI affect General Sales careers?
The 44% 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 University of Missouri-Columbia one of the best schools for General Sales?
Ranked #2 of 16 programs nationally, University of Missouri-Columbia lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for General Sales?
There are 8 registered apprenticeships connected to General Sales occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for General Sales graduates?
With approximately 499,600 annual openings across mapped careers, General Sales offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →