Updated December 2025

Best Network Administration Programs in Missouri: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 13 top accredited network administration programs in Missouri. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Kansas City, St. Louis.

Programs Ranked:13
Median Salary:$104,000
Cost of Living:90.8%
Tech Hubs:2

Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Missouri 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MOPrivate

18 network administration graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$62K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
71.0
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MOPublic

77 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
66.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MOPublic

35 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
51.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Missouri offers 13+ accredited network administration programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Washington University in St Louis leads with 97% 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)

Network Administration Education in Missouri: Overview

Missouri offers 13 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 237 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 network administration programs in the state are led by Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Network Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Missouri Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis, MOPrivate$61,75097%71
2University of Central MissouriWarrensburg, MOPublic$8,325โ€”66.9
3Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MOPublic$8,151โ€”51.7
4Columbia CollegeColumbia, MOPrivate$12,268โ€”51.6
5University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis, MOPublic$14,400โ€”49.8
6Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles, MOPrivate$19,900โ€”48.4
7Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield, MOPublic$7,812โ€”48.1
8William Woods UniversityFulton, MOPrivate$27,80088%47.6
9Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis, MOPrivate$28,27688%45.8
10Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MOPublic$6,442โ€”40.6
11Park UniversityParkville, MOPrivate$11,908โ€”40.3
12Drury UniversitySpringfield, MOPrivate$33,900โ€”39.9
13Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesFayette, MOPrivate$6,4806%21.8

Top 5 Network Administration Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side

SchoolWashUU of Central MissouriSoutheast Missouri StateColumbia CollegeU of Missouri-St Louis
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$61,750
$8,325
$8,151
$12,268
$14,400
Graduation Rate
97%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
18
77
35
18
17
Acceptance Rate
12%
69%
79%
N/A
57%
Type
Private
Public
Public
Private
Public
Score
71.0/100
66.9/100
51.7/100
51.6/100
49.8/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in Missouri

Missouri offers 11 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, Columbia College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri market.

A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in Missouri

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Central Missouri
$8,325
N/A%
46
56.7
#2 Southeast Missouri State
$8,151
N/A%
35
51.7
#3 Columbia College
$12,268
N/A%
18
51.6

Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri

For graduate study, Missouri offers 6 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri-St Louis. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.

Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in Missouri

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 WashU
$61,750
97%
18
71.0
#2 U of Central Missouri
$8,325
N/A%
77
66.9
#3 U of Missouri-St Louis
$14,400
N/A%
17
49.8

Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in Missouri

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration 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 State University-Springfield ($7,812/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 Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Network Administration Programs in Missouri (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#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 State University...
$7,812
$31,248
0.8 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Network Administration Schools in Missouri

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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.

#11 Designation

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 18 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 71.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 18 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 71.0 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

This program combines cybersecurity management with leadership development, ranking #5 by Fortune magazine and offering both online and in-person options. The curriculum integrates technical fundamentals with management skills, taught by leading cybersecurity industry professionals.

Program Accreditations & Designations
STEM program
Available Scholarships
$Qualified veterans: WashU McKelvey School of Engineering and the VA will cover 100 percent of your graduate tuition
Program Details
  • Credits: 30-unit (10-course)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cybersecurity Management
#21 Designation

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 77 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 66.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 77 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 66.9 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 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 Computer Science program with Computer Networking option is one of the largest CS programs in Missouri and ranks in the top 15% for best value, with 95% of graduates finding employment or continuing education within 6 months.

Program Accreditations & Designations
HCL-accredited
Admissions
  • Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: 95% of students land a job or continue their education within 6 months
Available Specializations / Concentrations
cloud computingsystems design
#3

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,151 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 35 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 35 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 51.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (35 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Columbia College

Columbia, MO โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $12,268 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 18 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 18 network administration graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 51.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, MO โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $14,400 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Network Administration Graduates: 17 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 49.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 17 network administration graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 49.8 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$72,800
Starting Salary
$104,000
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
5,959
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$105,550

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$109,111

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$111,091

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$111,938
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$121,857

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Missouri if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 13)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Network Administration Programs in Other States

Network Administration 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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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