🥇
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MOPrivate
University Architect Jamie Kolker on the Campus Experience | Washington University$61,750
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
95.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best ux design degree programs: Washington University in ..., Lindenwood, U of Missouri-Columbia
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,442 to $61,750/year
Missouri State University... offers the most affordable option at $7,812/yr
UX Design degree programs available: 2 master's in Missouri
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online ux design degree programs in Missouri
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Major employers: Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer, Mastercard
Tech hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis
Hakia Research 2026
UX Design 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 UX Design programs
We rank 12 accredited ux design 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre UX Design Degree Programs in Missouri Worth It?
Answer
$104,000
Yes. The best ux design degree programs in Missouri deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $104,000 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $23,010/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
UX Design Degree Rankings in Missouri
Compare the top-ranked UX Design programs in Missouri by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's UX Design Programs in Missouri
10
Programs ranked
$23,010
Avg tuition/yr
90%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Missouri ranks among the nation's top destinations for ux design education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Washington University in ..., Lindenwood, U of Missouri-Columbia, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Missouri ux design 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 $61,750 annually, with an average of $23,010/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 98%. 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 ux design degrees in Missouri, these top-ranked ux design schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 10 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 51.4 |
| #7 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 50.2 |
| #8 | Drury University | Springfield, MO | Private | $33,900 | — | 48.6 |
| #9 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 48.3 |
| #10 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 46.0 |
Best Master's UX Design Programs in Missouri
2
Programs ranked
$13,856
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Missouri offers 2 master's degree programs in ux design, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Lindenwood, 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 $13,856/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 ux design schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
UX Design Degree Costs & Tuition in Missouri
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,010/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $57,525/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,753/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $138,060 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $34,514 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for UX Design Students in Missouri
State Aid Programs
Missouri students pursuing UX Design degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways to make their education affordable. The primary federal resource is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Missouri's state-specific aid program, the Access Missouri Grant, provides need-based grants of up to $2,850 per year for eligible students attending public institutions in the state (Access Missouri Grant). This grant is particularly valuable for students at schools like the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri State University-Springfield, where in-state tuition averages $8,649 annually.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, many Missouri institutions offering UX Design programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University both offer competitive merit scholarships to qualified students, though their higher tuition costs require careful financial planning. For more comprehensive financial aid information and to explore federal loan options, students should visit the College Scorecard to compare aid packages across institutions. Additionally, prospective students should research individual school financial aid offices, as many Missouri universities participate in federal work-study programs and offer graduate assistantships for master's degree candidates.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator, Missouri
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a ux design 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.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a ux design degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+592%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,094,847
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$104,762
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,130,255
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$110,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return3.7%
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
UX Design Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Missouri metro areas
Kansas City$114K
St. Louis$109K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $114K |
| St. Louis | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring UX Design Graduates in Missouri
Find ux design jobs in Missouri. These major employers across Missouri metro areas are actively hiring ux design degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
UX Design Jobs in Kansas City
MOCerner/Oracle Health
healthtech
Garmin
tech
H&R Block
fintech
Sprint/T-Mobile
telecom
UX Design Jobs in St. Louis
MOBayer
pharma
Edward Jones
finance
World Wide Technology
tech
Mastercard
fintech
Boeing
aerospace
Transfer Pathways for UX Design Degrees in Missouri
State Transfer System
Missouri's streamlined transfer system significantly eases the path for students beginning at community colleges and pursuing bachelor's degrees at four-year universities. The Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42) guarantees that 42 credit hours of general education coursework transfer directly and count toward bachelor's degree requirements at any public university in the state, eliminating redundancy and reducing time to degree. Missouri's 21 two-year institutions provide affordable entry points for UX Design education, with programs at community colleges like Saint Louis Community College, Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City, and North Central Missouri College offering associate's degrees with significantly lower tuition (ranging from $4,440 to $7,110 annually) compared to four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Many Missouri four-year universities have established articulation agreements with community colleges, ensuring smooth transitions for UX Design and related technology students. Students completing an associate's degree in graphic design, web development, or general computer science at a Missouri community college can transfer seamlessly into bachelor's programs at universities like University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri State University-Springfield, or Maryville University of Saint Louis. The CORE 42 system, combined with the Access Missouri Grant available at public institutions, maximizes affordability for transfer students. For detailed transfer information, students should contact their community college's transfer center or visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education website to explore specific articulation agreements and pathway options.
Why Pursue an UX Design Degree in Missouri?
Industry & Workforce
Missouri offers a strong and growing UX Design education landscape with 15 institutions currently offering programs across bachelor's, master's, and associate's degree levels (IPEDS). The state's 228 bachelor's degree completions annually demonstrate strong student demand and institutional investment in this high-demand field. Leading programs like Washington University in St. Louis, University of Missouri-Columbia, and Lindenwood University consistently produce skilled designers ready for the professional market. With 76 four-year institutions and 21 two-year institutions in the state, Missouri provides diverse pathways for aspiring UX professionals at every academic level and budget.
Salary Outlook
Missouri's major metropolitan areas, particularly St. Louis and Kansas City, host thriving tech ecosystems anchored by major employers like Cerner, Walmart, Express Scripts, and leading healthcare systems including BJC HealthCare and SSM Health. These organizations actively recruit UX design talent, creating abundant internship and career opportunities for graduates. Public in-state tuition averages just $8,649 annually at four-year institutions (College Scorecard), making Missouri significantly more affordable than national averages. Additionally, the state's Access Missouri Grant provides need-based financial aid up to $2,850 per year for eligible students at public institutions, further reducing education costs. For students considering Web Development in Missouri or Game Development in Missouri, UX Design pairs seamlessly as a complementary specialization.
UX Design Program Availability in Missouri
10 Programs
Missouri offers 10 accredited ux design programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Kansas City, St. Louis.
Source: IPEDS 2024
UX Design Job Market & Salary Data in Missouri
Employment Outlook
Missouri's UX design job market is supported by a strong higher education pipeline, with 15 institutions offering UX design programs across the state (IPEDS). The state produced 228 bachelor's degree completions and 18 master's degree completions in UX design, indicating strong talent development across multiple credential levels. Major metropolitan areas, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia, serve as primary employment hubs for UX design professionals. For comprehensive salary and employment data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides current occupational information for Missouri's tech and design sectors.
Salaries by Metro
The state's cost of education varies significantly by institution type and program level. Public four-year institutions in Missouri charge an average in-state tuition of $8,649, compared to out-of-state tuition averaging $18,073, making the state competitive for both domestic and international students. Financial support is available through the Access Missouri Grant, which provides need-based grants up to $2,850 per year at public institutions. Students can also leverage the Missouri Core Transfer Curriculum (CORE 42) to guarantee transfer of 42 credit hours statewide, reducing overall degree costs and time-to-completion. Related fields like Web Development in Missouri and Game Development in Missouri offer complementary career pathways in the state's tech ecosystem.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Missouri$67,600$150,800
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus UX Design Programs in Missouri
Online Programs
2 available in Missouri
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$20,709/yr$23,010/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare UX Design Programs in Other States
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,300
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Kentucky
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $14,200
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $26,800
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Arkansas
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $5,300
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Oklahoma
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Best UX Design Degree Programs in Kansas
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $8,900
UX Design Degree Programs in Missouri: FAQ
What are the best ux design degree programs in Missouri?
The best ux design degree programs in Missouri based on our methodology are: 1) Washington University in St Louis (97% graduation rate), 2) Lindenwood University, and 3) University of Missouri-Columbia. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Missouri offers 10 total accredited programs across 4 public and 6 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 10 bachelor's programs.
How much do ux design degree programs cost in Missouri?
UX Design degree program costs in Missouri vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $23,010/year, while private institutions average $50,622/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,753/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $92,040 at public schools to $202,488 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can ux design degree graduates earn in Missouri?
UX Design professionals in Missouri earn a median salary of $104,000, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $67,600, while senior roles exceed $150,800. Salaries vary by metro area: Kansas City ($114,400), St. Louis ($109,200) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online ux design degree programs in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri offers 2 accredited online UX Design programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Northwest Missouri State University and Drury University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire ux design degree graduates in Missouri?
Major UX Design employers in Missouri include Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer, Mastercard, Square. The Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Missouri universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Missouri's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an ux design degree program worth it in Missouri?
An ux design degree program in Missouri offers strong ROI with a $104,000 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $23,010/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($117,520), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do ux design degree programs take in Missouri?
Standard completion times for ux design degree programs in Missouri are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Missouri community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Missouri university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for ux design degree students in Missouri?
Missouri ux design degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Missouri state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Missouri's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Missouri salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
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.