Top 3 UX Design Programs in Missouri 2025
Washington University in St Louis
59 ux design graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Lindenwood University
52 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Missouri-Columbia
39 ux design graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 10+ accredited ux design 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)
UX Design Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 10 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 234 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Washington University in St Louis, Lindenwood University, University of Missouri-Columbia, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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 UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 87.1 |
| 2 | Lindenwood University | Saint Charles, MO | Private | $19,900 | — | 61.7 |
| 3 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | Public | $13,008 | 80% | 60.8 |
| 4 | Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $30,530 | — | 49.2 |
| 5 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 48.7 |
| 6 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 48.7 |
| 7 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 48.1 |
| 8 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 47.3 |
| 9 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 45.5 |
| 10 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 42.2 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | WashU | Lindenwood | U of Missouri-Columbia | Webster | Missouri State University... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,750 | $19,900 | $13,008 | $30,530 | $7,812 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | N/A% | 80% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 59 | 52 | 39 | 16 | 33 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 66% | 77% | 58% | 91% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 87.1/100 | 61.7/100 | 60.8/100 | 49.2/100 | 48.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Missouri
Missouri offers 10 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Washington University in St Louis, Lindenwood University, University of Missouri-Columbia. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 59 | 87.1 |
| #2 Lindenwood | $19,900 | N/A% | 52 | 61.7 |
| #3 U of Missouri-Columbia | $13,008 | 80% | 39 | 60.8 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 2 master's-level ux design programs. Leading institutions include Lindenwood University, Missouri State University-Springfield. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 UX Design Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Lindenwood | $19,900 | N/A% | 12 | 45.7 |
| #2 Missouri State University... | $7,812 | N/A% | 6 | 37.1 |
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Missouri State University-Springfield ($7,812/year), University of Missouri-Kansas City ($11,190/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 UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design 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 Missouri State University... | $7,812 | $31,248 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | $44,760 | 1.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 59 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 87.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 59 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 87.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (59 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Design for HCI and Emerging Technology is a two-year program that prepares designers to lead in the next phase of digital transformation through project-based learning that mirrors real-world industry practices. The program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and entrepreneurship with faculty from across WashU who have research agendas integrating technology, design, and social impact.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,900 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 52 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 66%
- • Ranking Score: 61.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 52 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (52 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (66% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,008 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 39 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 60.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 39 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (39 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS in Learning Technologies and Design offers 100% online delivery with flexible 8- or 16-week sessions and builds a professional portfolio, while being part of a top-ranked education program and iSchools coalition member.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •MRKTNG 3000
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.2 cumulative GPA required for MRKTNG 4550 and MRKTNG 4650; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA required for all 12 credit hours (Digital Marketing Certificate)
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours (MS Learning Technologies and Design); 12 credit hours (Digital Marketing Certificate)
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $85,576.54 average median salary (Learning Technologies and Design careers in Missouri)
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $30,530 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 58%
- • Ranking Score: 49.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 16 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (58% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 33 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 33 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (33 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The New Media Track blends theory and practice in an immersive curriculum exploring digital imaging, net-art, interactive installations and virtual reality. Students benefit from studio-based learning with access to modern facilities equipped with both traditional and progressive technology, guided by faculty who are practicing artists and seasoned educators.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Internship Required
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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
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Explore computer engineering programs in Missouri
Ux Design Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
UX Design 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.