On this page
Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: U of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State, Columbia College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,152 to $61,750/year
Saint Louis Community Col... offers the most affordable option at $4,440/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 10 associate's, 6 master's in Missouri
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online network administration degree programs in Missouri
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Missouri community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
10 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer, Mastercard
Tech hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis
Hakia Research 2026
Network Administration degree programs near 62+ cities across Missouri
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Missouri Network Administration programs
We rank 27 accredited network administration programs in Missouri using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Network Administration Degree Programs in Missouri Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Missouri
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Missouri by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri offers 10 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Saint Louis Community Col..., Crowder College, State Technical College o..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Missouri offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,898/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $57,200 in Missouri.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Missouri's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, St. Louis areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among network administration schools in Missouri, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Missouri.
Show all 10 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Mineral Area College | Park Hills, MO | Public | $5,730 | — | 48.1 |
| #7 | Moberly Area Community College | Moberly, MO | Public | $5,370 | — | 40.2 |
| #8 | Three Rivers College | Poplar Bluff, MO | Public | $4,350 | — | 46.5 |
| #9 | East Central College | Union, MO | Public | $4,176 | — | 45.7 |
| #10 | State Fair Community College | Sedalia, MO | Public | $4,584 | — | 38.0 |
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 11 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 7 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State, Columbia College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Missouri network administration programs earn a median salary of $88,400, 10% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, St. Louis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,442 to $33,900 annually, with an average of $16,168/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 61%, with the highest reaching 88%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Missouri's leading technology employers. For students seeking network administration degrees in Missouri, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $28,276 | 88% | 49.9 |
| #7 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 48.0 |
| #8 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 42.2 |
| #9 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 40.6 |
| #10 | Park University | Parkville, MO | Private | $11,908 | — | 40.8 |
| #11 | Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Fayette, MO | Private | $6,480 | 6% | 22.3 |
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in Missouri
Program Landscape
Missouri offers 6 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Central Missouri, Washington University in ..., Missouri State University..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Missouri earn a median salary of $104,000, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, St. Louis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $21,452/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Missouri's network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Washington University in St Louis
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Fontbonne University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $28,276 | 88% | 44.2 |
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Missouri
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $12,887/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $32,218/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,222/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $77,324 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $19,330 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Missouri
State Aid Programs
Missouri students pursuing Network Administration degrees have access to multiple financial aid options designed to reduce the cost of higher education. The primary state-level resource is the Access Missouri Grant, a need-based grant program administered by the Missouri Department of Higher Education that provides awards up to $2,850 per year for eligible students attending public institutions. This program significantly reduces the financial burden, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds and those attending community colleges or regional public universities where tuition remains relatively affordable.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, Network Administration students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid to access federal loans, work-study opportunities, and additional grants. Many Missouri institutions also offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid specifically for students in technology programs. The Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42) ensures that students who complete an Associate's degree at a community college can transfer up to 42 credit hours to a four-year institution without losing credits, reducing overall time-to-degree and total education costs. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office to learn about program-specific scholarships and payment plans tailored to Network Administration majors.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Missouri
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree in Missouri. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Network Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Missouri metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $114K |
| St. Louis | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Network Administration Graduates in Missouri
Find network administration jobs in Missouri. These major employers across Missouri metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Kansas City
MONetwork Administration Jobs in St. Louis
MOTransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Missouri
State Transfer System
Missouri's streamlined transfer system makes it convenient for students to begin their network administration education at community colleges and transfer to four-year institutions. The Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42) guarantees that 42 credit hours transfer seamlessly between any participating public institution in the state, protecting student progress and reducing time-to-degree. Missouri operates 21 two-year institutions alongside 76 four-year institutions, providing abundant pathways for students pursuing associate's degrees and seeking to advance to bachelor's programs (IPEDS). Community colleges like Saint Louis Community College (25 completions) and Crowder College (23 completions) offer affordable, high-quality network administration associate's degrees that serve as direct bridges to bachelor's programs.
How Transfers Work
Students graduating from Missouri's community colleges with network administration associate's degrees can transfer to bachelor's programs at University of Central Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University, or Missouri State University-Springfield with their coursework fully recognized. The CORE 42 system ensures that general education requirements transfer completely, allowing students to focus upper-level coursework on specialized network administration topics. Additionally, Missouri's Access Missouri Grant provides need-based aid up to $2,850 per year at public institutions, making both community college and university pathways financially accessible. This structured approach reduces costs while maintaining educational quality and career readiness (Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42)).
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Missouri?
Industry & Workforce
Missouri offers exceptional opportunities for students pursuing network administration degrees, with 30 institutions across the state providing programs at associate, bachelor, and master levels (IPEDS). The state boasts 11 associate's programs, 11 bachelor's programs, and 8 master's programs in network administration, delivering 435 total completions annually. This strong educational infrastructure is supported by affordable public tuition, with four-year institutions averaging just $8,649 for in-state students, significantly lower than the national average (IPEDS).
Salary Outlook
Missouri's three major metropolitan areas. St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, serve as thriving technology hubs with major employers including BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Cerner, Walmart, and Express Scripts. These organizations actively recruit network administration graduates for roles managing critical infrastructure and enterprise networks. Top-ranked programs like the University of Missouri-Columbia's bachelor program and University of Central Missouri, which leads the state with 122 completions, provide direct pathways to these employers. Students can also explore related fields such as Cloud Computing in Missouri and Cybersecurity in Missouri to expand career options in Missouri's growing tech sector.
Network Administration Program Availability in Missouri
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Missouri
Employment Outlook
Missouri's network administration job market reflects strong demand across the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the BLS State Occupational Data, network and computer systems administrators represent a critical workforce segment in Missouri's technology sector. The state's largest employment centers, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, serve as primary hubs for network administration positions, with significant opportunities in healthcare, financial services, and corporate technology sectors. Missouri's geographic diversity means job seekers have access to positions ranging from enterprise-level corporations to mid-market firms across multiple regions.
Salaries by Metro
The state benefits from a strong higher education ecosystem that supplies qualified network administration professionals. With 30 institutions offering network administration programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels, Missouri produces 435 total completions annually (IPEDS Program Data), ensuring a steady pipeline of graduates entering the workforce. Public four-year institutions in Missouri charge an average in-state tuition of $8,649, making education accessible to prospective network administrators. Career advancement opportunities are supported by Missouri's Access Missouri Grant program, which provides need-based grants up to $2,850 per year at public institutions, helping students manage education costs while preparing for well-compensated technical roles.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Missouri
Online Programs
4 available in Missouri
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 54
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $10,500
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $20,400
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $23,200
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $3,000
Network Administration Degree Programs in Missouri: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Missouri?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Missouri?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Missouri?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Missouri?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Missouri?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Missouri?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Missouri?
What financial aid is available for network administration degree students in Missouri?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Missouri salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.
