Computer Science Programs in Missouri
Updated November 20, 2023
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As part of the "Silicon Prairie" — a growing tech hub that includes states like Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota — Missouri employs 153,419 tech professionals as of 2022, according to CompTIA's CyberStates report.
Data from the organization also reveals 2021 tech salaries in Missouri are 101% higher than median national wages. Salaries at the 50th percentile for tech workers in The Show-Me State were $78,200 per year in 2021, while the 90th percentile salary was $135,900.
According to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers, computer and information systems managers, and computer systems analysts are among the tech careers with the highest employment in Missouri. CompTIA's CyberStates report found 73,200 overall tech job postings in the state as of 2022.
Do you want to join Missouri's growing tech sector? Use our guide to learn about education opportunities in the state. Discover how to get admitted and pay for the best computer science schools in Missouri and what jobs await graduates.
Missouri at a Glance
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 91
- Percentage of Workforce in Tech: 5.1%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $23 billion
- Average Wage for Computer and Mathematical Occupations, 2022: $88,390
Sources: Cyberstates™, NCES, OEWS
Why Go to College for Computer Science in Missouri?
As of 2020, over 340,000 students attended a college or university in Missouri, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The Show-Me State boasts 91 colleges and universities, including big schools and small institutions in urban and rural areas.
Data from the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development reveals that computer science was among the top five most popular fields of study at many institutions across the state when measuring the total number of certificates and degrees awarded in 2022. This can indicate Missouri's two- and four-year schools have robust computer science program offerings.
Education Statistics for Missouri
| Higher Education Statistics | Missouri Data | National Data |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year Colleges | 70 | 2,520 |
| Two-Year Colleges | 21 | 1,216 |
| Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 52.7% | 59% |
Sources: NCES
Numerous Missouri two- and four-year schools award online bachelor's in computer science degrees. As of 2021, more than half of students in Missouri take online courses.
Accreditation for Missouri Schools
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Both types of accreditation ensure schools and programs meet and continually improve standards of education.
Institutional accreditation means your college or university has undergone evaluation from an accrediting agency. The United States Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintain lists of approved agencies.
In Missouri, many schools hold institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commision. Other agencies include the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and the Distance Education Accreditation Commission. You need to attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid.
Programmatic accreditation is an optional process that evaluates how well a specific program or department prepares students for careers in the field. Some of the best online colleges in computer science may hold accreditation from agencies like ABET.
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in Missouri
Cost, degree offerings, and location can all be crucial factors as you choose a school. Research each institution to find out whether it fits your stipulations for price, online offerings, and specific courses. We explore several of these criteria below.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Computer science programs in Missouri offer an array of coursework concentrations — groups of classes to help you specialize your degree toward specific subfields. The three specializations listed below can prepare you to pursue in-demand careers.
Computer Programming
Computer programming courses teach you how to use popular programming languages such as Java and C++. Classes in this concentration often include coding labs and project-based assignments.
Cybersecurity
A concentration in cybersecurity teaches you about cryptography, network security and privacy, intrusion detection, and ethical hacking.
Software Engineering
The best software engineering degrees cover the fundamental concepts of the software development life cycle: planning, designing, coding, debugging, testing, and deploying.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
Tuition in Missouri costs slightly less than national averages. NCES data from the 2020-21 shows the average tuition for public four-year institutions in Missouri was $9,310 in the — just below the $9,375 national average.
Out-of-state tuition at public schools in the state averaged $21,880 — more than $5,000 lower than the national average of $27,091. Private four-year institutions averaged $27,723 in Missouri, while the national average was $32,825.
To help defray educational expenses, college students can apply for financial aid like scholarships, grants, and loans. Over 58,000 learners in Missouri received grants and scholarships in the 2021-22 school year, the total value of which surpassed $138 million, according to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
Filling out the FAFSA can help you qualify for various financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, which do not require repayment. Student loans, on the other hand, do require repayment with interest.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Public colleges and universities often charge different tuition rates to students based on state residency. Learners who live in Missouri typically pay lower tuition than enrollees from other states. However, some online programs offer reduced or in-state rates for all attendees.
Missouri also belongs to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. This agreement allows participating schools in the Midwest Student Exchange Program to offer lower tuition to students from other member states. Missouri and Kansas also maintain a reciprocity agreement to provide tuition discounts to learners studying architecture, dentistry, and optometry.
Missouri's Cost of Living
World Population Review's cost of living index scores each state's cost of living relative to a national average of 100, where states below 100 are more affordable than states above 100 are more expensive. The index scores Missouri 88.4 — the fourth-lowest cost of living in the country. This means that, on average, residents in the state pay less for expenses like housing, food, and transportation than people in other jurisdictions.
Schools With Computer Science Degrees in Missouri
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Missouri State University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Southeast Missouri State University
- University of Central Missouri
- University of Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in Missouri
As technology further intertwines itself into daily life, demand continues to grow for tech workers. Nationally, the BLS projects the computer and information technology field will add 377,500 openings annually from 2022 to 2032. Keep reading to learn more about employers in the state and careers available to graduates of the best computer science schools in Missouri.
Select Computer Science Careers in Missouri
Information security analysts oversee security measures. They run tests and monitor systems and data to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, working alongside engineers and other IT staff.
Full-stack software developers create and test new products to ensure they meet technical specifications. Because full-stack developers work on the back and front ends of new products, they oversee the entire development process for software. They build applications and scale APIs.
Network administrators can find jobs in fields like computer systems design, management, colleges and universities, and local government. These professionals often work under network managers or architects to monitor networks and optimize operations. Duties include installing routers, maintaining security measures like firewalls, and troubleshooting outages and other technical issues.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Computer Science Employers in Missouri
Boeing: This aerospace company operates a base in St. Louis, Missouri. Boeing hires tech professionals like software engineers, data scientists, and programmers to create tools for their aircraft.
Edward Jones: The finance company Edward Jones maintains headquarters in St. Louis. Tech workers like developers, cybersecurity analysts, and digital engineers help the organization maintain their digital infrastructure and protect sensitive assets.
Jack Henry & Associates: Established in 1976, this company has headquarters in Monett, Missouri, and creates payment processing systems for the financial sector. Professionals with software development skills are among the organization's nearly 7,000 employees.
Missouri Employment Trends
| Year | State | National |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 3,520 | 185,700 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 3,140 | 167,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-2028 | -10.8% | -9.9% |
| Software Developers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 30,160 | 1,847,900 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 37,090 | 2,257,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +23% | +22.2% |
| Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers | ||
| 2020 Employment | 4,030 | 199,400 |
| 2030 Projected Employment | 4,580 | 224,900 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2020-2030 | +13.6% | +12.8% |
Source: Projections Central
| Career | Missouri Employment | Missouri Average Annual Wage | National Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers | 1,970 | $82,130 | $87,580 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 7,710 | $85,620 | $97,160 |
| Computer Programmers | 1,910 | $76,360 | $102,790 |
| Database Administrators | 1,870 | $90,560 | $102,530 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 7,910 | $99,580 | $107,530 |
| Information Security Analysts | 3,360 | $88,790 | $119,860 |
| Software Developers | 22,530 | $101,990 | $132,930 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 1,140 | $108,960 | $140,830 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 450 | $99,130 | $155,880 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 8,020 | $141,830 | $173,670 |
Source: BLS OEWS
The average salaries for all the tech careers in the table above exceed the average wage for all workers in Missouri, which was $54,520 according to 2022 BLS data. Though the salaries are lower than the national averages, keep in mind that Missouri has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. This can mean that salaries in the state have stronger purchasing power than higher wages in more expensive states.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in Missouri
- Missouri Association of Workforce Development: At this organization's annual conference, you can network with other tech professionals. The group also offers webinars and scholarship opportunities.
- Missouri Career Development Association: Founded in 2011, the Missouri Career Development Association offers professional development opportunities, including classes that provide continuing education units. As a member, you can also attend networking events, workshops, and access local job postings.
- Missouri Technology Alliance: Tech leaders collaborated with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2021 to create the Missouri Technology Alliance. The group researches tech trends and makes plans to maximize the state's role as a tech hub.
FAQ About Computer Science Degrees in Missouri
Is computer science a good major in Missouri?
Earning a computer science degree in Missouri can prepare you for careers that offer wages higher than the state's average salary for all workers. Because workers with tech skills are in demand, Projections Central data reveals many of these jobs are projected to grow from 2020 to 2030, including in Missouri. These factors signal that a computer science degree in Missouri can offer a positive return on investment.
What computer science jobs are there in Missouri?
Some of the most popular computer science jobs in Missouri include software developer, computer and information systems manager, and computer systems analyst. BLS data shows that, as of 2022, 22,530 people worked as software developers, while 8,020 held computer and information systems manager jobs. In that same year, 7,910 people were employed as computer systems analysts.
Does Missouri have online computer science programs?
Many colleges and universities offer fully online computer science programs or hybrid degrees with some in-person requirements. For example, the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Southeast Missouri State University offer fully online bachelor's in computer science programs. Other schools, such as the University of Central Missouri, offer hybrid bachelor's in computer science programs. Missouri University of Science and Technology offers distance master's and doctoral programs in the field.
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