Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Missouri 2025
University of Missouri-Columbia
213 information technology graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
300 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Southeast Missouri State University
283 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 26+ accredited information technology programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Missouri-Columbia leads with 80% graduation rate
- 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)
Information Technology Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 26 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 1,522 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top information technology programs in the state are led by University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Missouri Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | Public | $13,008 | 80% | 71.9 |
| 2 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 71.4 |
| 3 | Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | Public | $8,151 | — | 68.2 |
| 4 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 66.2 |
| 5 | Park University | Parkville, MO | Private | $11,908 | — | 61.5 |
| 6 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | Rolla, MO | Public | $13,008 | — | 59.7 |
| 7 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 54 |
| 8 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 51.6 |
| 9 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 51.5 |
| 10 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | 92% | 51.4 |
| 11 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 50 |
| 12 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 46.6 |
| 13 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 45.8 |
| 14 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | 45 |
| 15 | Harris-Stowe State University | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $5,808 | — | 43.2 |
| 16 | Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $28,276 | 88% | 41.8 |
| 17 | Avila University | Kansas City, MO | Private | $38,762 | 48% | 40.7 |
| 18 | Lincoln University | Jefferson City, MO | Public | $7,370 | — | 39.6 |
| 19 | Missouri Baptist University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $31,530 | — | 38.9 |
| 20 | Missouri Western State University | Saint Joseph, MO | Public | $7,740 | — | 38.8 |
| 21 | Hannibal-LaGrange University | Hannibal, MO | Private | $25,200 | — | 37 |
| 22 | Missouri Southern State University | Joplin, MO | Public | $8,400 | — | 36.2 |
| 23 | Evangel University | Springfield, MO | Private | $25,922 | — | 35.8 |
| 24 | Westminster College | Fulton, MO | Private | $31,156 | — | 34.7 |
| 25 | Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, MO | Private | $27,290 | — | 31.7 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Missouri-Columbia | U of Central Missouri | Southeast Missouri State | WashU | Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,008 | $8,325 | $8,151 | $61,750 | $11,908 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | N/A% | N/A% | 97% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 213 | 300 | 283 | 25 | 116 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77% | 69% | 79% | 12% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 71.9/100 | 71.4/100 | 68.2/100 | 66.2/100 | 61.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Missouri
Missouri offers 26 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Missouri-Columbia, Washington University in St Louis, Park University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Missouri-Columbia | $13,008 | 80% | 213 | 71.9 |
| #2 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 25 | 66.2 |
| #3 Park | $11,908 | N/A% | 116 | 61.5 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 10 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 300 | 71.4 |
| #2 Southeast Missouri State | $8,151 | N/A% | 283 | 68.2 |
| #3 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | N/A% | 117 | 54.0 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Missouri are at Harris-Stowe State University ($5,808/year), Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies ($6,480/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Harris-Stowe State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $23,232 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Harris-Stowe State | $5,808 | $23,232 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Central Methodist... | $6,480 | $25,920 | 0.7 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology programs in Missouri, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,008 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 213 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 71.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 213 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (213 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Science and Technology program offers cutting-edge technology education with a world-class computer environment and strong industry preparation. Students benefit from rigorous coursework in emerging areas like business analytics, cybersecurity, and data science, with 93.6% achieving successful career outcomes within six months.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units English
- •4 units Mathematics (Algebra I or higher)
- •3 units Science (one laboratory course)
- •3 units Social Studies
- •2 units Foreign Language (same language)
- •1 unit Fine Arts
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $69,000
- Job Placement: 93.6% within six months
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 300 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 300 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (300 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCM's Information Technology program offers three specialized concentrations with small class sizes of 16-25 students, real-world systems training, and is ranked #1 Most Popular College for Computer Science in Missouri.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,151 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 283 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 68.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 283 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (283 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 66.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 25 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 66.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Park University
Parkville, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,908 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 116 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 61.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 116 information technology graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (116 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Park University offers a comprehensive Information and Computer Science program with four specialized concentrations and flexible online options. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, preparing graduates for networking certifications like Cisco CCNA while addressing technology's broader social and ethical impacts.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
- You prefer Missouri's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 26)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
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Information Technology Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Information Technology in Missouri FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Missouri salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.