Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Missouri 2025
University of Missouri-Kansas City
665 machine learning graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
Washington University in St Louis
181 machine learning graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
1170 machine learning graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 18+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Missouri-Kansas City leads with 98% 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)
Machine Learning Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 18 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 2,626 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 machine learning programs in the state are led by University of Missouri-Kansas City, Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 73.7 |
| 2 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 73.4 |
| 3 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 71.4 |
| 4 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 50.3 |
| 5 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | Private | $21,300 | 93% | 47.9 |
| 6 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | 92% | 47.2 |
| 7 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 45.5 |
| 8 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 45.2 |
| 9 | Missouri Western State University | Saint Joseph, MO | Public | $7,740 | — | 41.2 |
| 10 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 40.7 |
| 11 | Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $30,530 | — | 40.3 |
| 12 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 39.1 |
| 13 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 38 |
| 14 | Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | Public | $9,132 | — | 36.6 |
| 15 | Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | Private | $41,900 | — | 34.7 |
| 16 | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Fayette, MO | Private | $26,360 | — | 32.4 |
| 17 | Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, MO | Private | $27,290 | — | 31.5 |
| 18 | Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Fayette, MO | Private | $6,480 | 6% | 21.4 |
Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Missouri-Kansas City | WashU | U of Central Missouri | Northwest Missouri State | Missouri Valley College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,190 | $61,750 | $8,325 | $6,442 | $21,300 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% | 97% | N/A% | N/A% | 93% |
| Annual Graduates | 665 | 181 | 1170 | 320 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 75% | 12% | 69% | 86% | 53% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 73.7/100 | 73.4/100 | 71.4/100 | 50.3/100 | 47.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Missouri
Missouri offers 17 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Missouri-St Louis. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri market.
A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 181 | 73.4 |
| #2 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 87 | 71.5 |
| #3 U of Missouri-St Louis | $14,400 | N/A% | 60 | 45.5 |
Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 7 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Central Missouri. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 488 | 82.6 |
| #2 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 665 | 73.7 |
| #3 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 1170 | 71.4 |
Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies ($6,480/year), Missouri Western State University ($7,740/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Central Methodist... | $6,480 | $25,920 | 0.7 years | Private |
| #3 Missouri Western State | $7,740 | $30,960 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 665 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 73.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 665 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (665 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (75% 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 181 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 73.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 181 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 73.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (181 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This interdisciplinary program combines computer science and mathematics/statistics expertise to address the growing demand for data science professionals. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of cutting-edge tools like machine learning, Python, and SQL to solve real-world problems across engineering and finance domains.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Statistics
- •Calculus I
Program Details
- Credits: 39 credits
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Media and entertainment corporation, Life sciences company, Technology consulting firm, University, Federal employment agency
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 1,170 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,170 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,170 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,442 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 320 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 50.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 320 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (320 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Missouri Valley College
Marshall, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $21,300 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 53%
- • Ranking Score: 47.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 1 machine learning graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (53% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
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 18)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Missouri
Explore data science programs in Missouri
Explore data analytics programs in Missouri
Explore cybersecurity programs in Missouri
Explore information security programs in Missouri
Explore software engineering programs in Missouri
Explore computer science programs in Missouri
Explore computer engineering programs in Missouri
Explore information technology programs in Missouri
Machine Learning Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Machine Learning 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.